Breaking into Grant Writing with a PR/Marketing Background
I currently work as a program coordinator for a community college, but I have been curious about getting into grant writing either as a full-time or a part-time career. I have been volunteering with our Grants/Sponsored programs office assisting on writing a grant and I am learning a lot about the process with them, but I wanted to know what other steps should I take in order to successfully transition into the field, if that is possible. I know I have a golden opportunity by volunteering with them and I would love to gain as much leverage from it as possible.
I am planning on working with a few non-profits next year and would love the opportunity to assist on writing proposals with them if the opportunity comes up. Is it possible for someone with a Journalism/PR/Marketing background successfully transfer into the field? Is it possible to learn how to write business and government proposals on down the road as well?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Melanie R. Negrin, GPC on -
Dear Leon:
Absolutely! Marketing & PR is a terrific background to bring into grant writing. Grant writing is a combination of strategic business planning and storytelling rolled into one, and those with the ability to capture the essence of an organization's mission and impact and share it with the world are a perfect match.
Depending on which aspects of marketing you call your greatest strengths (research, understanding people, long-term planning, budgeting, writing, design, etc.), you will discover which areas you can immediately apply and which ones to strengthen through training and experience.
As far as transitioning into the field, it sounds like you're already on the right track!
Regards, Melanie
© 2012 Created by Melanie R. Negrin, GPC.
