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Show him the money. That’s the directive Erie Mayor Joe Schember has given the city’s first full-time grant writer.<\/p>\n
Abby Skinner, who the city hired to successfully access local, state and federal funding resources, said addressing this priority is a grant writer’s dream. After all, she loves reading grant guidelines and has a database of funding opportunities to prove it.<\/p>\n
Writing is just a small component of crafting a winning grant proposal. Skinner said before she starts writing, she must first determine if the grant is a good fit for Erie. That starts by understanding the parameters and guidelines attached to each opportunity and adhering to deadlines.<\/p>\n
Skinner said templates and outlines can be helpful tools to gather information from colleagues and expedite grant applications. Her background reminds her that not all organizations have a full-time employee devoted to the process.<\/p>\n
Libby Hikind, founder and CEO of GrantWatch.com<\/a>, said organizations with limited human resources that don’t have the time or staff to identify funding sources and follow through on applications are always looking for qualified grant writers. These requests can be found on GrantWriterTeam.com<\/a>, a service of GrantWatch. Applicants must first create a profile on GrantWriterTeam.com to review these positions at no cost.<\/p>\n Grant writers can earn upward of $100 an hour; however, most entry-level positions offer compensation around $25 per hour. Successful and reliable grant writers are often invited to enter into long-term contracts with many of these organizations.<\/p>\n Skinner was destined for Erie City Hall after building her grant-writing resume with the Warren County Historical Society, the Regional Center for Workforce Excellence and the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. She says the city has a plan and now a position in place to identify grant opportunities. It’s up to her to secure the money.<\/p>\n Grant Writers from all backgrounds who have the talent to craft a compelling grant proposal can search for grant writing opportunities at GrantWriterTeam.com<\/a>, a service of GrantWatch.com<\/a>. Joining the GrantWriterTeam is easy. Create a profile, fill out the application and begin to bid on grant writing jobs. <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n About the Author<\/strong>: Staff Writer for GrantWatch.com<\/p>\n Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n