</h2>
<h2>Do you need experience to become a grant writer?</h2>
<p>No, you don’t need direct experience to become a grant writer. In many cases, experience in other fields will translate into grant writing. Previous writing experience, nonprofit experience, or even marketing experience can give you a leg up in the application process.</p>
<p>That said, previous experience is never a bad thing to have. And there are ways to gain experience as a grant writer without formally holding a position in grant writing.</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%;">
<p><strong>How to gain experience as a grant writer:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Write a sample proposal for your portfolio</li>
<li>Take a class or certificate program</li>
<li>Volunteer or do an <a href="/how-to-find-internships" rel="noopener" target="_blank">internship</a></li>
<li>Join a professional association</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Some universities offer specific certificate programs or coursework in grant writing. These classes cover the basics of grant writing and research, as well as other relevant experiences you can take into your job hunt.</p>
<a id="degree" data-hs-anchor="true"></a>
<p>There are also plenty of online courses through programs like <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/learning/search?keywords=grant%20writing&u=2155666" rel="noopener" target="_blank">LinkedIn Learning</a> that you can pursue in your own time to sharpen your skills and help you stand out.</p>
<h2>Do you need a degree to become a grant writer?</h2>
<p>It really depends where you are in your career.</p>
<p>If you’re just starting out then it would benefit you to obtain a degree in a writing-intensive major, such as English, journalism, communications, or marketing. A master's degree or certificate in nonprofit management can also give you an edge over other job applicants.</p>
<p>Whether or not you need a specific degree to land a job as a grant writer is ultimately decided by a hiring manager. With the right combination of skills and previous experience, an advanced degree might not be necessary.</p>
<p>In addition to a degree, knowledge of <a href="https://www.g2.com/categories/grant-management" rel="noopener" target="_blank">grant management software</a> could help you edge out the competition. </p>
<h3>Next steps for becoming a grant writer</h3>
<p>Grant writing is a fast-paced and rewarding career. If you’re the sort of person who loves problem-solving, writing, and helping the greater good, then you’re in the right place. A career in grant writing can give you all of that and more!</p>
<p><strong>Ready to start applying for grant writing jobs? Learn <a href="/how-to-write-a-resume" rel="noopener" target="_blank">how to write a resume</a> that communicates your skills.</strong></p>
Looking for a new job is hard, but writing your resume doesn’t have to be.
by Lauren Pope
So you want to be a freelance writer? Let me help you with that.
by Grace Pinegar
Sometimes, our most valuable skills are the ones we don’t even realize we have.
by Rob Browne