A grant writer has many duties that involve researching and writing grant proposals for funding for a corporation, nonprofit organization, or government agency. Because a grant writer must have a broad knowledge of what the business or organization provides, he or she must understand the program, its financial details, and where to find appropriate funding. Due to the knowledge base required, a grant writer may choose to specialize in a particular field, such as educational grant writing or medical grant writing.

First and foremost, a grant writer must understand the grant application process. The grant writer should have superior writing and grammar skills, as well as the ability to work independently and meet deadlines. Also important are an attention to detail and the ability to understand financial and budget matters.

Many grant writers work on a freelance basis; others work for an organization or business as a staff member. No matter which type of employment is procured, a grant writer assembles the pertinent information from which to write the grant proposal. After a proposal is submitted, it is the grant writer who maintains contact with the grantor to verify that all necessary information is supplied.

Grant writers may come from a variety of backgrounds, including a degree in English or Communications, or experience working with similar organizations in a similar capacity. Courses that are beneficial to grant writers include technical writing and editing classes. In the past, grant writing was an inexact science — organizations applied for grants and then waited to see if they were successful — but now, much information is available to grant writers through workshops, the Internet, books, and non-credit courses.

A grant writer is likely to spend a great deal of time using a computer for research and email, but he or she also needs to have excellent communication skills for visits to the clients and the grantors. Some grant writers are paid a percentage of the amount that they secure for their organization or business. More commonly, a grant writer receives compensation by the hour or the project, if a freelancer, and by salary if a full-time employee.