- Featured in:
Want a stronger resume? Use our extensive library of professional resume examples as practical starting guides. You’ll also find ready-made content with our helpful Resume Builder — simple click, customize and download.
Additional Grant Writer Resume Samples
How to Format a Grant Writer Resume
Your grant writer resume format is as important as how you write your resume. This sample resume demonstrates the best resume layout to follow: 1-inch margins, bullet points and clear resume headings for each of the following sections.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Professional header and contact info
Include your name, contact information and a professional email address.
Compelling summary statement
A brief resume summary or objective statement highlighting two or three writing-relevant skills, experience or accomplishments.
Showcase your writing skills
Devote a section highlighting essential hard and soft skills such as proposal writing, project management and research proficiency.
Emphasize your work history
List your work experience in reverse-chronological order, like in a chronological resume. Include job titles, company names, dates of employment and key responsibilities and achievements for each role in a bullet list.
Supporting education section
Detail your educational background, mentioning any relevant degrees, diplomas or certifications obtained.
Additional sections
You can add resume sections for licenses, certifications, industry memberships or unions, awards, volunteer experience or spoken languages.
1
Write a Grant Writer Resume Summar
A strong resume summary can set the tone for the document and is often the first thing a hiring manager sees. Here are some tips for whipping up an effective office manager resume summary:
Highlight relevant experience
Emphasize your proficiency in grant writing, bolstered by your expertise in conducting in-depth research and your track record in successfully managing grant-funded projects.
Quantify achievements
Utilize concrete figures or percentages to showcase the outcomes of your grant writing efforts, whether it’s the total amount of funding secured, the success rate of your proposals, or the measurable impact of funded projects.
Tailor to the job
Personalize your summary to align with the specific requirements of the grant writer role you’re pursuing, emphasizing your relevant experiences and skills that directly match the organization’s needs.
Showcase skills
Highlight key skills essential for the success of grant writing, including persuasive proposal writing, meticulous research abilities and effective management skills.
“Dedicated grant writer with 5+ years of experience securing funding for non-profit organizations. Successfully obtained over $2 million in grants through meticulous research, persuasive proposal writing, and effective project management. Proficient in identifying funding opportunities and cultivating relationships with donors. Adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting tight deadlines. Skilled in leveraging data analysis to inform grant strategies and increase funding success rates.”
Why it works:
This summary effectively highlights relevant experience, quantifies achievements, and tailors them to the job requirements, making them stand out to potential employers. By clearly stating years of experience, providing quantifiable achievements and demonstrating key skills, this summary presents the candidate as a compelling fit for the role.
“Experienced grant writer seeking a challenging position in a dynamic organization. Skilled in writing grants and managing projects. Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.”
Why it fails:
This example summary needs to be more specific, demonstrate expertise or accomplishments, and match the job requirements, making it ineffective in capturing the attention of potential employers.
PRO TIP:
If you are new to the workforce or a recent grad, opt for writing a resume objective. It’s ideal for first-time job applicants because it shifts from your lack of experience to your skills aligned with the company’s goals.
2
Add Your Grant Writer Work History
Writing a strong resume work history section is indispensable for grant writers eager to show their relevant experience. Here’s a detailed guide with effective structuring techniques, enriched with examples delineating exemplary and deficient grant writer resume work histories for clarity and insight.
Tailor to the job description
Customize your work history to align with the specific demands of the grant writing position you’re pursuing. Highlight experiences and achievements demonstrating your proficiency in securing funding and managing grant-funded projects effectively.
Quantify achievements
Quantify your grant-related accomplishments whenever possible to provide tangible evidence of your effectiveness. For instance, mention the total amount of grant funding secured, the success rate of your proposals, or the measurable impact of funded projects.
Use action verbs
Commence each bullet point with dynamic action verbs to emphasize your proactive approach and leadership in grant-related endeavors. Words like “secured,” “implemented” and “oversaw” convey your ability to drive successful grant initiatives.
Focus on results
Emphasize the outcomes of your grant-related actions rather than solely listing duties. Employers seek evidence of how your contributions positively influence funding acquisition and project success.
Highlight relevant writing skills
Showcase skills pertinent to grant writing skills, such as proposal crafting, research proficiency, budget management and donor relationship cultivation. Effectively communicating your expertise in these areas enhances your suitability for grant-related roles.
Grant Writer | Hohokus Youth Center
Hoboken, NY | June 2021-Present
- Successfully secured over $1.5 million in grant funding through developing and submitting persuasive grant proposals.
- Conducted in-depth research to identify potential funding sources and grant opportunities, resulting in a 20% increase in funding compared to the previous year.
- Collaborated with program managers to develop project budgets and ensure compliance with grant requirements.
- Cultivated relationships with donors and funders, resulting in increased donor engagement and repeat funding opportunities.
This example showcases relevant experience, quantifies achievements and provides specific examples of success in securing grant funding. This example demonstrates the candidate’s effectiveness as a grant writer by highlighting specific accomplishments, such as the amount of funding secured and the percentage increase in funding.
Grant Writer | YMCA New York
Hoboken, NY | June 2021-Present
- Responsible for writing grant proposals and managing grant-funded projects.
- Conducted research on potential funders and assisted with grant applications.
This example needs more detail and specificity, making it easier for employers to assess the candidate’s qualifications and accomplishments. With quantifiable achievements or specific examples of success, this example can effectively demonstrate the candidate’s grant writing expertise.
3
How to Write a Grant Writer Education Section
Writing a strong education section is essential for showcasing your qualifications and background as a grant writer to recruiters. Utilize these strategies to craft an engaging resume section.
1List relevant degrees or certifications
Include any relevant degrees, diplomas or certifications demonstrating your proficiency in customer service or related fields.
Example
Bachelor of Science in English
University of New York, Graduated: May 2020
2Highlight specialized training
Showcase any specialized training or workshops you’ve completed that are relevant to customer service roles.
Example
Grant Professionals Certification Institute | July 2019
Certification in grant writing demonstrating proficiency in the field.
3Include relevant coursework
Mention specific coursework or classes directly related to customer service skills or industry knowledge.
Example
Nonprofit Organization ABC | September 2020
Completed intensive workshop covering grant proposal development, budgeting and donor relations
4Emphasize academic achievements
Highlight any achievements or awards demonstrating your dedication and excellence in your studies.
Example
Dean’s List: Awarded for academic excellence in the top 10% of the class
5Showcase professional development
Mention any ongoing professional development activities or courses you’re currently undertaking to enhance your skills in customer service.
Example
Completed a comprehensive training program covering grant writing principles, leadership skills and best practices in administrative processes.
PRO TIP:
Enhance your skill set by enrolling in additional courses that complement your expertise, such as Advanced Proposal Writing, Grant Budgeting and certifications in software programs like GrantHub and Raiser’s Edge.
4
15 Skills for Your Grant Writer Resume
The resume skills section of your grant writer resume holds significant weight in showcasing your proficiency and credentials. Incorporating a well-rounded combination of technical skills, hard skills and soft skills is essential to highlight your suitability for the position effectively.
PRO TIP:
Customize your grant writer resume to the job by adding relevant skills and keywords that match the job description. This will help your resume get noticed by ATS scanners.
5
20 Grant Writer Action Verbs
Recruiters often read the top third of a resume’s page, so they are drawn to dynamic phrases, recognizing their ability to convey capability and impact. Action verbs, or power words, describe your capability and impact in previous roles while quickly catching the recruiter’s attention. Here’s a list of action verbs tailored for customer service representatives:
- Achieved
- Communicated
- Developed
- Evaluated
- Facilitated
- Identified
- Led
- Managed
- Negotiated
- Organized
- Planned
- Researched
- Secured
- Strategized
- Supported
- Synthesized
- Utilized
- Wrote
- Collaborated
- Implemented
6
Additional Resume Sections
Consider adding the following sections to your grant writer resume based on your specific circumstances and to enhance your qualifications:
Write a Cover Letter to Stand Out
While a resume briefly outlines your skills and background, a cover letter offers a more comprehensive view of your career aspirations. Strengthen your application by including a cover letter, allowing you to showcase achievements and illustrate how your skills fulfill the company’s needs. Explore our sample for ideas or utilize our resources to optimize your application further.
Cover Letters for Office Managers
Grant Writer FAQ
How should I format my grant writer resume to stand out to employers?
Use a clean, simple resume layout with clear sections for easy readability. Highlight relevant experience, skills and achievements prominently. Tailor your resume to match the job description and showcase your ability to meet the organization’s grant writing needs.
How can I ensure my resume gets past applicant tracking systems (ATS)?
To optimize your resume for ATS, use relevant keywords from the job description, format it clearly with standard fonts, and avoid using images or graphics. Tailor your resume to each position, focusing on highlighting your skills and experiences that align with the job requirements.
What is the average salary for a grant writer, and where do they typically work?
The average salary for grant writers varies depending on experience, location and organization type but typically ranges from $45,000 to $65,000 annually. Grant writers are in various sectors, including nonprofits, educational institutions and government agencies.
Should I include references on my grant writer resume?
No, it’s generally recommended that you provide resume references separately upon request. Use the limited space on your resume to showcase your skills, experience, and relevant achievements in grant writing.
Is it necessary to include a cover letter with my grant writer resume?
While not always required, including a cover letter allows you to provide additional context for your application and further highlight your qualifications and passion for grant writing. It’s an opportunity to make a strong impression and demonstrate your fit for the role.