If you’ve been a successful staff grantwriter for a number of years, you may want to consider striking out on your own. Before you do, think about whether you have the requisite experience. To be a creditable freelancer, you should:

• Have secured funding in response to at least a dozen proposals from a variety of sources.
• Be familiar with the grantmaking climate in the fields you intend to serve.
• Be able to offer guidance to your clients on how to design a fundable project, articulate needs and goals, design an evaluation, and develop a budget.
• Know how to research funding sources and advise your clients about developing relationships with funders.

You should also consider whether you can be happy and successful in the freelance environment. Ask yourself:

• Have I built up a reputation for excellence that I can take with me as a freelancer?
• Can I make enough money to make up for lack of benefits (health insurance, sick leave, vacation, retirement, etc.)?
• Do I have some financial back-up (such as a solid savings account or a partner with a good job) to help me get started and tide me over the slow times?
• Will I miss having regular hours and contact with co-workers?
• Do I have the self-discipline to set my own hours and work on my own?
• Will my home environment allow me to get my work done on time? (Hint: Don’t count on doing all your work while the baby’s sleeping.)

If your answers to these questions convince you that freelancing is right for you, give it a try! Many grantwriters have made the leap to independent consulting and are thriving. There’s plenty of work for qualified, experienced grantwriters in the Puget Sound area and beyond.

How do I find clients?

• Sign up for PSGA’s Freelance Grantwriters List and other consultant listings such as AAGP, CharityChannel, or NDOA.
• Join listervs, read the archives, and contribute frequently: PSGA-L, PNWNPCON (for Northwest freelancers), CharityChannel’s GRANTS and CONSULTANTS.
• Network at professional meetings of PSGA, NDOA, AFP, etc. Join their committees. Make presentations at conferences. (See "Connecting with Colleagues.")
• Teach a grantwriting class.

Do I need a website?

Yes. Websites are the modern equivalent of a brochure. You can introduce yourself, describe your services, experience, policies and rates. Most consultants say they don’t usually find new clients through their websites, but when someone is interested the website provides invaluable information.

How do I charge for my services?

You may charge by the hour or the project, but NOT by a percentage of the grants received. See "How to hire a freelancer."