I recently taught a class where someone asked me “what type of person is a good grant writer?”  “Hmmm, good question,” thought I. So, it’s been rattling around in the back of my brain for a while and here is a list of attributes that I think help people succeed in the grants world.

1.    Idealism

It’s what drives us all. It’s the thing that pushes us to risk rejection again and again and work hard to meet tight deadlines. For me, when push comes to shove, I just remember why I am doing this and how society and our planet will benefit when we succeed. And then I get down to work. And the rewards are so sweet when you know that your effort resulted in a program that makes a meaningful and lasting difference.

2.    Practicality

Idealism is great but you have to be realistic. There is absolutely no point in approaching a foundation that protects watersheds in Florida to ask if they want to help protect your watershed in California. It’s a waste of time unless you happen to know that a family member just moved westward. Good grant writers know that.

They also understand enough about their organization’s and community’s politics to know who to involve and how to involve them in the grant development process. Grant development lives at the intersection of vision and politics.

3.    Persistence

This is really born out of the first two characteristics. When you are devoted to your cause and driven to realize your vision, you really won’t give up until you achieve it. And when you know the odds of getting funded, your practical side just tells you to keep on going knowing that eventually it will get funded.

4.    Creativity

Creativity falls into two categories. First, the ability to think of good, new, innovative approaches to existing situations. And, second, the ability to write with flair, to engage the reader, and connect from their heart to yours.

5.    Ability to get along with people

There is an adage that people fund people not projects. So, good grant developers know that it’s important to develop meaningful relationships with people who share your vision for transforming the world – like program officers.

6.    Organization

Juggling multiple deadlines and projects takes a lot of organization. The best in our field are usually highly organized people who effectively plan and execute complex projects.

7.    Like to be involved in the world

Successful grant developers love to know what’s going on. They like to tell you what’s happening in their field, in their town, at their local foundation office etc. etc. They often have their finger on the pulse and quickly spot trends and changes.

8.    Perfectionist streak

To be successful in this field you need to be able to follow guidelines to the letter. So, grant writers often have a perfectionist streak that helps them to ensure that all the I’s are dotted, T’s crossed, and forms signed and dated in the right spot.

That’s my list of characteristics that I see in my fellow grant writers. I’d love to hear your thoughts, lists and additions.