Grant Writing Tips: Where Do You Begin?

Productive grant-writing takes specific skills that are absolutely necessary to succeed in this field. I recommend that if you really want to write awarding-winning grants you start by assessing whether or not you have the specific skills to do this. You need to be able to research and analyze the reams of data that is mandatory in the research process for each and every grant. Everything related to a specific grant has to be thoroughly explored and it takes focus and time.  

While writing your proposal you need to display leadership skills to let those around you know that you are the one who will carry this proposal to a successful award.  Demonstrating your decision-making skills is what you must do best to become a precise and capable planner.
 
When I visit one of my grant writing friends and see their work area cluttered with reams and reams of paper, I know that they are poorly prepared to write a award-winning proposal. To support my findings, they usually call me later and say that they did not win the grant. One of the most vital skills that grant writers need is the ability to deal with change because at no other time in your career will you ever encounter so many changes. This is the nature of grant writing. 

Many grant writers ignore the fact that communications is only effective if you achieve what you want. Effective communications is the only way you will ever get your grant-writing team to think and act according to your way of thinking.

There is one skill that cuts across every challenge and that is your ability to quickly solve problems. Problems are everywhere, nothing is concrete and new challenges, concerns or irritations will confront you every single day while you are working on the proposal.  I consider every problem a challenge and when it’s solved, I feel “on top of the world.”   

Two other essential skills that you need to cultivate are time and stress management
Don’t despair if your expertise in these areas is limited at this time. When I first began my writing career I lacked several of these skills so I partnered with other grant writers until I was ready to go out on my own. You could consider this same approach if you need to acquire some new habits. 

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