10 Lessons I’d Tell My Younger Self as a Grant Writer

These last couple of weeks, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of meeting new grant writers who share a deep passion for helping others. Their energy and curiosity got me thinking: What would I tell myself if I could go back to the very beginning of my nonprofit and grant writing career?

Grant writing isn’t just about submitting proposals, it’s about persistence, relationship-building, and balancing personal growth with professional development. Over the years, I’ve experienced the highs of securing major funding and the challenges of navigating organizational change. Looking back, I’ve put together 10 lessons I would tell my younger self to make the journey smoother.

10. Build Your Network

If I could give only one piece of advice, it would be this: never underestimate the power of your network.

In the fundraising and nonprofit world, connections matter. More times than I’d like to admit, I let relationships lapse or unknowingly burned bridges when I moved on to new jobs or got too busy to stay in touch. Every grant writer, fundraiser, and nonprofit leader should make it a priority to maintain professional connections because you never know where the next opportunity, collaboration, or piece of advice will come from.

When I started, networking was primarily face-to-face, city to city, and meeting to meeting. Today, the internet has transformed how we build relationships. Platforms like LinkedIn, professional associations, and virtual conferences make it easier than ever to stay connected. The pandemic only highlighted how essential digital networking has become.

Grant writing tip: Set aside time each month to reconnect with old colleagues, reach out to new professionals, and follow up after conferences or webinars. A strong network is as valuable as your resume.

9. Find Ways to Get Certified

When I began in this field, certifications for grant writers weren’t as accessible as they are now. I thought about pursuing them but didn’t press the matter with my employer, and I wish I had.

Today, there are many affordable options: the Grant Professionals Certification (GPC), scholarships through the Grant Professionals Association, and self-study resources like books and courses. Earning certifications not only improves your skills but also adds credibility when applying for jobs, working with clients, or pitching to funders.

Grant writing tip: Don’t wait until “things settle down.” Prioritize professional development. It’s an investment that pays long-term dividends in your nonprofit career.

8. Go to Conferences

Conferences and webinars are goldmines for professional growth. Even if you’re an introvert or find them exhausting, the opportunities far outweigh the temporary fatigue.

Attend both in-person and virtual events whenever possible. Ask questions, participate in chats, and write down the names of people you meet. Follow up with presenters and other attendees to continue the conversation. Opportunities often come when you least expect them, but only if you show up.

Grant writing tip: Think of conferences as an investment in your career and fundraising success. One meaningful connection could lead to thousands in funding or your next big career step.

7. Never Stop Looking for New Opportunities

In past positions, I sometimes stayed longer than I should have, only looking for other opportunities when I had to. That’s a mistake.

The nonprofit sector is often unpredictable, with funding cycles, leadership changes, and “at-will” employment structures. Don’t wait until things fall apart. Proactively keep your eyes open for roles, partnerships, and projects that align with your goals.

Grant writing tip: Even if you love your current role, spend time each month exploring what’s out there. Staying aware keeps you prepared and prevents stagnation.

6. Stand Up for Your Experience

At the start of my grant writing career, I downplayed my previous experience as a business owner, artist, and professional in other fields. That was a mistake.

Your background is valuable. The skills you’ve built, whether in management, design, teaching, or customer service, are transferable and strengthen your ability to write compelling grants and run successful programs.

Don’t let others diminish your worth or make you feel “less than.” Confidence in your skills is key to building credibility with funders and colleagues.

Grant writing tip: Own your story. Use your unique experiences to bring fresh perspectives to your proposals and nonprofit work.

5. Don’t Let Work Be Everything

Nonprofit work is meaningful, but it can also be all-consuming. Before you know it, a year flies by, and you realize you’ve missed important personal milestones.

At 35, I made a conscious decision to focus on starting a family. That shift reminded me that while work is important, it is not everything. Fundraising can fuel incredible missions, but at the end of the day, relationships and personal well-being matter most.

Grant writing tip: Set healthy boundaries. Your nonprofit career should enhance your life, not consume it.

4. Diversify Your Skillset

One of the greatest strengths of working in nonprofits is the opportunity to wear many hats. Early in my career, I learned that having a diverse skillset (sales, marketing, program development, and graphic design) made me more valuable.

At a conference years ago, I sat with several professionals who had specialized in only one role. They were surprised when I described all the different tasks I handled in nonprofit work. Today, I see that as a clear advantage.

Grant writing tip: Learn new skills beyond grant writing like budgeting, data analysis, social media, or program design. It makes you indispensable in an uncertain economy.

3. Start Your Own Company (Even Something Small)

If I could go back, I’d tell myself to start a side business earlier. Running a company teaches you business planning, financial management, and resilience. It also gives you a safety net which is something to fall back on when jobs change.

It’s not just a hustle or hobby, it can become your retirement plan, your legacy, or your full-time passion.

Grant writing tip: Even if you start small, entrepreneurship sharpens your skills and broadens your opportunities.

2. Take More Time Off

This one’s simple: if you have vacation or sick time, use it.

Too often, I let unused hours slip away, thinking I was being dedicated. In reality, I was short-changing myself. Paid leave is part of your compensation. It helps prevent burnout and keeps you refreshed for the demanding work of fundraising and grant writing.

Grant writing tip: Self-care is not selfish. A rested grant writer is a more creative and effective grant writer.

1. Put God First

The most important lesson of all: put God first in everything you do.

He sees what you don’t. If you get let go from a position, trust that He has something better prepared. If He led you to the opportunity, He will lead you through it. Faith has carried me through the uncertainties of nonprofit work, career transitions, and personal challenges.

Grant writing tip: Ground your work in faith, gratitude, and a solid belief system that gives you strength. Purpose-driven work requires a deeper anchor.

Final Thoughts

Grant writing is more than drafting proposals. It’s about perseverance, strategy, relationships, and balance. If I could speak to my younger self, these ten lessons would be my roadmap.

To my fellow grant writers and nonprofit professionals: What advice would you share with someone just starting out? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

And if you’re an aspiring nonprofit leader who wants to get grant ready, let’s connect! Together, we can turn passion into sustainability.

Here’s a great blog post that talks about: So You Want to Start a Nonprofit? Here’s What You Really Need to Know