I read an interesting blog this morning from an English major at a State University in Northern Minnesota http://katykins.wordpress.com/
This obviously savvy sophomore was contemplating her career direction and mulling over the possibility of pursuing a career in Grant Writing. I think it is safe to conclude from her blog that her initial inquiries into the field have led her to more unanswered questions. I sure applaud her tenacity and willingness to pursue unknown, or undeveloped territory (the U.S. Dept. of Labor doesn’t even recognize “Grant Writer” as an occupation yet) and possibly make a career out of a skill that can indeed be highly rewarding. IF, that is, your sense of reward is largely based upon an internal sense of accomplishment.
This Coed hit it right on the mark when she suggested that grant writers are very valuable… “non-profits rely on grants to survive”! Yes, absolutely right. Unfortunately, just a very small majority of non-profits or not-for-profits can afford the talents of an accomplished, experienced, skilled grant writer. Even the organizations that can afford a grant writer typically require that writer to also “juggle” other organizational business.
Here’s a great example of the juggling act… In Corning, NY the City of Corning actually has a very accomplished grant writer within their ranks. He is full-time and has been with the City for 10 years. During this decade of very fruitful work Jim Goodling secured over 14 MILLION dollars in funding for the City! Wow! Now if you are into feeling good, and seeing amazing things come to fruition from the words you put down on paper, then you are going in the right direction. Buutttttt… here is where the eye twitching tinges of pain enter… After 10 years of service Mr. Goodling is only making around $69,000. Whoa… If that doesn’t take the air out of your sails then this will. With Mr. Goodling’s retirement now looming, the good soul who is coming in to take his job will be looking at a potential starting salary as low as $47,000. Yikes!
Ok. Since we are creeping around this house of pain, did I mention Mr. Goodling’s Official title at the City of Corning? Planning & Economic Development Department Chief. Ok, that sounds good. Titles are in-fact quite important. Ok… you know there has to be a downside looming… What comes with this title? Mr. Goodling is also the City’s Code Enforcement Officer.
This scenario is much more common that not. If you are pursuing a career in grant writing because you love making wonderful things happen for wonderful causes that directly effect wonderful people then go for it! Be prepared, though, you may have to supplement the other side of your ego through contract work or otherwise. Either that or you’ll have to ready yourself for the fact that after you cash that million dollar check awarded to your City Hall you may later be required to visit some City resident and present them with a nice “fix it up, or pay it up” code violation “invitation”! Oh… yes. Always with a smile!
Well don’t be completely dismayed Potential Grant Writers there is good news coming! Next blog… Great Grant Writing Jobs … go get em’!
Visit us at http://www.livingwellgrants.com
Jenny Lynn
