Welcome to the world of grant writing and nonprofit consulting! As a mom who’s always juggling multiple responsibilities, I understand the value of finding professional opportunities that align with your skills and lifestyle needs. That’s why I’m excited to share with you today about the hidden goldmine of grant writing and nonprofit consulting – a field that’s absolutely perfect for detail-oriented moms looking to leverage their organizational prowess and make a meaningful impact.
Over the years, I’ve witnessed countless women transform their attention to detail, research abilities, and empathetic communication skills into thriving professional services careers. The nonprofit sector is constantly seeking qualified grant writers and consultants who can help them secure funding and optimize their operations. This creates a perfect opportunity for moms who want flexibility, purpose, and professional growth.
Whether you’re looking to transition from a corporate career, re-enter the workforce after focusing on family, or add a rewarding side hustle to your busy life, grant writing and nonprofit consulting offer a unique blend of intellectual challenge, financial reward, and social impact. Let’s explore how you can tap into this grant writing goldmine and create consulting opportunities that work for your life as a busy mom.
Understanding the Grant Writing Landscape
Before diving into the world of grant writing and nonprofit consulting, it’s essential to understand the landscape and what makes this field so suitable for detail-oriented moms. Grant writing isn’t just about filling out applications – it’s a strategic process that requires research, storytelling, budgeting, and relationship management skills.
According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, there are more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the United States alone. Each of these organizations typically applies for multiple grants per year, creating an enormous demand for skilled grant writers. The Grantsmanship Center reports that foundations, corporations, and government agencies collectively provide billions of dollars in grant funding annually.
Dr. Beverly Browning, author of “Grant Writing For Dummies,” emphasizes that successful grant writers need “patience, persistence, and a passion for helping others.” These are qualities that many moms have developed through years of family management, community involvement, and navigating complex systems for their children.
Why Grant Writing Appeals to Detail-Oriented Moms
As a mom, you’ve likely developed an impressive set of skills that translate perfectly to grant writing and nonprofit consulting. Think about it – you’re probably already a master at:
- Managing deadlines and juggling multiple projects simultaneously
- Researching options thoroughly before making decisions
- Creating compelling narratives that convince others (whether it’s persuading your kids to eat vegetables or your partner to agree on a family decision)
- Budgeting and making the most of limited resources
- Building and maintaining relationships with diverse personalities
- Paying attention to small details that others might miss
- Working efficiently within limited time windows
- Adapting quickly when plans change unexpectedly
These abilities are exactly what nonprofits need in their grant writers and consultants. As Pamela Grow, founder of Pamela’s Grantwriting Blog, notes, “The most successful grant writers I know are those who can simultaneously see the big picture while meticulously managing the details.”
What’s more, grant writing professional services offer the flexibility that many moms crave. You can choose to work as an independent consultant, setting your own hours and taking on as many or as few clients as your schedule allows. Alternatively, you might prefer part-time work with a nonprofit organization or a grant writing firm. Some grant writers even secure full-time remote positions that provide stability while eliminating commute time.
The financial aspect is also appealing. According to the Grant Professionals Association, experienced grant writers can earn anywhere from $40 to $150 per hour, depending on their expertise, location, and the complexity of the projects they handle. For moms looking to contribute meaningfully to their family’s finances while maintaining work-life balance, this earning potential is significant.
The Growing Demand for Grant Writing Expertise
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased the demand for grant writing services. Many nonprofits faced funding crises as traditional fundraising events became impossible, while simultaneously experiencing greater demand for their services. This led to more organizations turning to grants as a funding source.
Even as we move beyond the immediate crisis, this trend continues. The Foundation Center reports that foundation giving has increased substantially in recent years, with particular focus areas including education, health, human services, and community development. Government funding through the American Rescue Plan and other initiatives has also created new grant opportunities.
Technology is another factor driving demand for skilled grant writers. Online grant application systems have become more sophisticated, requiring writers who can navigate these platforms effectively. Additionally, data-driven decision-making means grant writers must be adept at gathering and presenting impact metrics – another area where detail-oriented individuals excel.
Cheryl Kester, co-author of “Writing to Win Federal Grants: A Must-Have for Your Fundraising Toolbox,” points out that “As competition for grant dollars intensifies, organizations need grant professionals who can not only write compelling proposals but also develop comprehensive funding strategies.” This broader scope creates even more opportunities for moms who want to expand their professional services beyond just writing to include strategic consulting.
Building Your Grant Writing Skills and Credentials
Now that you understand why grant writing and nonprofit consulting are excellent fields for detail-oriented moms, let’s explore how to build the skills and credentials you need to succeed. Whether you’re starting from scratch or building on existing experience, there are multiple pathways to developing expertise in grant writing.
Education and Training Options
While there’s no single required degree or certification for grant writers, investing in education shows potential clients you’re serious about your craft. Here are some popular options:
Formal education: Many colleges and universities offer certificate programs in grant writing, nonprofit management, or fundraising. These programs typically range from a few weeks to several months and can often be completed online. For example, the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University offers a Certificate in Fund Development that includes grant writing components.
Professional certifications: The Grant Professionals Certification Institute offers the Grant Professional Certified (GPC) credential, which is widely respected in the field. To qualify, you need experience writing successful grants and must pass a rigorous exam. While not necessary when you’re just starting out, this certification can help you command higher rates as your career progresses.
Online courses: Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer affordable grant writing courses you can complete at your own pace. The Chronicle of Philanthropy and the Foundation Center also provide webinars and workshops specifically focused on grant writing.
Writing coach Teresa Huff, who specializes in helping women build grant writing careers, emphasizes that “Continuous learning is essential in grant writing because funding priorities and application requirements evolve constantly.” She recommends setting aside a few hours each month to stay current with trends in philanthropy and grant making.
Gaining Practical Experience
Theory is important, but practical experience is what really helps you establish credibility as a grant writer. If you’re wondering how to gain experience when you’re just starting out, consider these approaches:
Volunteer work: Many small nonprofits need grant writing help but can’t afford to pay professional rates. Offering your services pro bono to an organization whose mission you care about can help you build your portfolio while making a difference. Local parent-teacher associations, animal shelters, arts organizations, and community service groups are often grateful for volunteer grant writers.
Internships or apprenticeships: Some established grant writers and consulting firms offer internships or mentoring relationships. While these may be unpaid or low-paid initially, the guidance you receive from an experienced professional can be invaluable.
Collaborative projects: Partner with a friend who works in the nonprofit sector to help with a grant application. This gives you real-world experience while providing them with extra support.
Start small: Begin with simpler foundation grants rather than complex federal grants. Local community foundation grants or corporate giving programs often have more straightforward applications that are perfect for beginners.
As you complete each project, document your process and results. Keep copies of successful applications (with sensitive information redacted) and track the amounts awarded. These will become important parts of your professional portfolio.
Maryn Boess, founder of GrantsMagic U, advises new grant writers to “Focus on quality over quantity in your early projects. A few thoroughly researched, well-written proposals that secure funding will serve you better than dozens of rushed applications that don’t succeed.”
Developing Your Specialized Knowledge Areas
While general grant writing skills are transferable across different types of organizations, developing expertise in specific sectors can help you stand out in a competitive market. Consider your existing knowledge, interests, and connections when choosing areas to specialize in.
For example, if you have a background in education and have been actively involved in your children’s schools, you might focus on educational grants. If healthcare issues have touched your family, that sector might be a good fit. If you’ve been involved in community development or environmental initiatives, those could be natural specializations.
Dr. Judy Riffle, owner of Riffle & Associates, notes that “Subject matter expertise combined with grant writing skills creates a powerful professional combination that commands premium rates.” She suggests joining professional associations in both grant writing and your specialty field to build networks and stay current.
It’s also worth considering whether you want to specialize in particular types of grants. Government grants, private foundation grants, and corporate grants each have different requirements and writing styles. Some grant writers focus exclusively on federal grants because of their complexity and size, while others prefer the relationship-based approach often needed for foundation funding.
As you gain experience, pay attention to which types of projects energize you and which drain your energy. The beauty of building a grant writing consulting practice is that you can gradually shape it to focus on the work you enjoy most.
Launching Your Grant Writing Consulting Business
Once you’ve built your skills and gained some experience, you’re ready to launch your grant writing consulting business. This is where the goldmine really opens up – creating a professional services business that works with your life as a mom.
Setting Up Your Business Structure
Before you start seeking clients, you’ll need to establish some business basics:
Business structure: Most solo grant writers operate as sole proprietors, especially when starting out. This is the simplest business structure and requires minimal paperwork. As your business grows, you might consider forming an LLC for liability protection. Consult with a tax professional to determine the best structure for your situation.
Business name: Choose a name that reflects your services and is easy to remember. Check that the name isn’t already in use and that you can secure a matching domain name for your website.
Banking: Open a separate business checking account to keep your business and personal finances distinct. This makes tax time much easier and helps you track your business growth.
Contracts and policies: Develop a standard contract template that outlines your services, fees, payment terms, and policies. Include clauses about revision limits, confidentiality, and what happens if either party needs to terminate the relationship early. The Grant Professionals Association offers sample contracts that members can adapt.
Insurance: Consider professional liability insurance to protect yourself in case a client is dissatisfied with your work. Some clients, particularly larger organizations, may require this coverage.
Author and business coach Amber Melanie Smith emphasizes that “Setting up proper business systems from the beginning saves enormous headaches later. Take the time to establish good habits around contracts, invoicing, and client communications.”
Pricing Your Grant Writing Services
Determining how to price your grant writing and nonprofit consulting services can be challenging. You want to value your expertise appropriately while remaining competitive in your market. Consider these common fee structures:
Hourly rates: Many grant writers, especially beginners, charge by the hour. Rates typically range from $25-50 for beginners to $75-150 for experienced consultants. Track your time carefully to provide accurate estimates to clients.
Project-based fees: As you gain experience and can better estimate how long various types of grants take, you might shift to project-based pricing. For example, you might charge $1,500-3,000 for a foundation grant proposal or $5,000-15,000 for a complex federal grant.
Retainer arrangements: Some consultants work on monthly retainers, providing a set number of hours or deliverables each month. This creates predictable income and workload, which can be especially valuable for moms.
Success fees: While once common, success fees (a percentage of grant awards) are now considered unethical by the Grant Professionals Association and many foundations. They create conflicts of interest and may violate funder policies. It’s best to avoid this model.
When setting your rates, research what other grant writers in your geographic area and with similar experience levels are charging. The Grant Professionals Association conducts regular salary surveys that can provide benchmarks. Remember that your rates should reflect not just the time spent writing, but also research, meetings, emails, and administration.
Jake Seliger of Seliger Associates advises new consultants to “Start with rates that feel comfortable, but plan to increase them as you build your portfolio and expertise. Many grant writers undervalue their services, especially in the beginning.”
Marketing Your Grant Writing Services
With your business structure and pricing established, it’s time to attract clients. Marketing professional services requires a different approach than product-based businesses, focusing on establishing expertise and building relationships.
Website and portfolio: Create a professional website that showcases your services, background, and successes. Include testimonials from clients or volunteer organizations you’ve helped. Share case studies of successful grants, being careful to protect confidential information.
LinkedIn presence: Optimize your LinkedIn profile to highlight your grant writing expertise. Join relevant groups for nonprofit professionals and grant writers and participate actively in discussions.
Content marketing: Demonstrate your knowledge by creating helpful content for nonprofits. This might include blog posts about grant readiness, tips for specific types of grants, or analyses of funding trends. Share this content on your website and social media.
Networking: Connect with nonprofit directors, development staff, and other consultants who might refer business to you. Attend nonprofit conferences, Chamber of Commerce events, and community foundation gatherings. Virtual networking groups can be especially convenient for moms with limited time for in-person events.
Partnership with complementary services: Build relationships with other consultants who serve nonprofits but don’t write grants, such as strategic planners, program evaluators, or fundraising consultants. These partnerships can lead to referrals.
Direct outreach: Identify organizations that align with your interests and expertise, then reach out with a personalized message offering your services. Before contacting them, research their current funding sources and suggest specific opportunities they might pursue.
Megan Hill, author of “Professional Grant Writing: Develop Winning Proposals,” suggests that “The most successful grant writers market themselves by becoming valuable resources to their communities, not just service providers. When you generously share your knowledge, clients naturally gravitate to you.”
Managing Client Relationships and Workflow
As a mom running a grant writing consulting business, effective client and workflow management is crucial for maintaining both professional success and family balance. Here are strategies to help you thrive:
Set clear boundaries: Be upfront with clients about your availability and response times. You might specify that you respond to emails within 24 hours on business days, or that you don’t take calls after 3pm when your children come home from school. Most clients respect clear boundaries when they’re established from the beginning.
Develop efficient onboarding: Create a standardized process for bringing on new clients, including intake forms that gather all the information you need. This saves time and demonstrates your professionalism.
Use project management tools: Platforms like Asana, Trello, or ClickUp can help you track multiple grant deadlines and deliverables. Many have free versions that work well for solo consultants.
Batch similar tasks: Improve efficiency by grouping similar activities. For example, dedicate specific times for research, writing, editing, and client communications rather than switching between these modes constantly.
Build in buffer time: When estimating project timelines, add 25-30% more time than you think you’ll need. This accounts for unexpected family obligations and prevents you from disappointing clients if something comes up.
Create templates and systems: Develop frameworks for common grant elements like organization descriptions, program methodologies, and evaluation plans. While each grant should be customized, having templates speeds up the writing process.
Consultant Jana Jane Hexter, author of “Grant Writing Revealed,” emphasizes that “The key to sustainable success in grant writing is designing systems that allow you to produce high-quality work efficiently. This creates space for both professional growth and personal priorities.”
Another crucial aspect of managing your consulting practice is handling the inevitable ebb and flow of projects. Grant deadlines often cluster at certain times of year, creating intense periods followed by quieter times. Some consultants use the slower periods for marketing and professional development, while others deliberately diversify their services to create more consistent income.
Consultant and mother of three Dahna Goldstein recommends “Creating a financial runway that allows you to comfortably weather the variable income of consulting. This might mean saving aggressively during busy periods or maintaining a part-time employment role while building your business.”
Expanding Your Nonprofit Consulting Services
As your grant writing practice becomes established, you may see opportunities to expand your services. Many successful grant writers evolve into comprehensive nonprofit consultants, offering a range of professional services that complement their writing expertise.
Complementary Services to Offer
Expanding beyond grant writing can increase your value to clients and create additional revenue streams. Consider these related services that draw on similar skill sets:
Grant readiness assessments: Help organizations evaluate their preparedness for pursuing grants and develop action plans to strengthen their positioning.
Funder research and grant prospect identification: Research and compile lists of potential funders whose priorities align with an organization’s programs.
Grant management: Assist with post-award reporting, compliance, and relationship management with funders.
Grant strategy development: Create comprehensive funding plans that integrate grants with other revenue sources and align with organizational strategic plans.
Program design: Help organizations develop evidence-based programs that appeal to funders while effectively serving their communities.
Evaluation planning: Design measurement frameworks that track program outcomes and impact, essential components of strong grant proposals.
Board and staff training: Offer workshops that build internal capacity for fundraising and grant sustainability.
Nonprofit business writing: Expand into creating annual reports, case statements, impact reports, and other materials that tell an organization’s story.
Fay Johnson, founder of deliberate IMPACT Consulting, notes that “The most valuable consultants don’t just provide technical services – they help nonprofits think strategically about their work. Expanding from writing to strategic advising creates more meaningful relationships with clients and often more sustainable income.”
When adding services, start with ones that naturally connect to projects you’re already doing. For example, if you’ve written a successful grant for a client, you might offer grant management services for that same project. This gradual expansion allows you to build confidence in each new area before promoting it widely.
Creating Recurring Revenue Streams
One challenge of traditional grant writing work is its project-based nature, which can create feast-or-famine cycles. Savvy consultants develop strategies to generate more predictable income:
Retainer agreements: Structure ongoing relationships with key clients where you provide a set package of services each month for a fixed fee. This might include maintaining a grants calendar, researching new opportunities, and writing a certain number of proposals quarterly.
Subscription services: Create information products like funding alerts, grant opportunity analyses, or curated research that organizations can subscribe to monthly or annually.
Membership communities: Develop a paid community where nonprofit leaders can access resources, templates, and your expertise through group coaching or office hours.
Digital products: Create courses, templates, or guides that organizations can purchase to improve their internal grant seeking capabilities.
Annual contracts: Negotiate year-long agreements with clients to manage all aspects of their grant program, with payments spread throughout the year.
Business strategist Samantha Siffring, who specializes in helping moms build sustainable businesses, suggests that “The key to creating stability as a consultant is developing a mix of revenue streams – some that provide reliable monthly income and others that bring larger but less frequent payments.”
When designing these offerings, consider both your expertise and your ideal workflow as a mom. For instance, a membership community might be scheduled around your family’s routine, with live sessions happening during school hours. Digital products create income while you sleep, giving you flexibility for family time.
Building a Team and Scaling Your Business
As demand for your services grows, you may reach a point where you can’t take on additional work without help. Scaling your grant writing and nonprofit consulting business can increase your income while potentially giving you more flexibility:
Start with specialized contractors: Bring in subject matter experts for specific proposals or elements of your work. For example, you might partner with an evaluator for the measurement sections of grants or a budget specialist for complex financial projections.
Hire virtual assistants: Administrative tasks like scheduling, research, formatting, and file management can often be delegated, freeing your time for the high-value work only you can do.
Train associate grant writers: As you develop systems and templates, you can bring on junior writers to handle first drafts or less complex proposals. Many experienced consultants create “associate models” where they review and finalize work done by other writers.
Form collaborative teams: Partner with other independent consultants who have complementary skills to bid on larger projects or retainer contracts that would be too much for one person.
Develop a hybrid model: Some successful grant writing consultants maintain a small portfolio of clients they personally serve while building a team to work with additional organizations.
Delia Coleman, who scaled her grant writing practice into a full-service consulting firm, advises that “The key to successful expansion is documenting your processes and quality standards. When you can clearly articulate what makes your work effective, you can train others to replicate that quality.”
For many mom consultants, scaling is about creating more impact and income without sacrificing the flexibility that drew them to self-employment. With thoughtful planning, you can design a business model that serves both your clients and your family well.
Grant writer and business coach Meredith Noble emphasizes that “There’s no single right way to scale a consulting practice. Some write fewer, larger grants while others build teams to handle volume. The important thing is aligning your business growth with your personal definition of success.”
Creating Work-Life Integration as a Mom Consultant
Perhaps the most important aspect of building a successful grant writing and nonprofit consulting business as a mom is creating sustainable work-life integration. Unlike traditional employment, consulting allows you to design a professional life that harmonizes with your family priorities.
Scheduling strategically: Plan your work schedule around your family’s rhythms. This might mean working while children are in school, setting aside evenings for family time, and reserving targeted periods for focused work during weekends. Calendar blocking can help protect both work and family time.
Creating dedicated workspace: Even if you don’t have a separate home office, designate a specific area for your consulting work. This helps create mental boundaries between professional and personal roles and signals to family members when you’re in “work mode.”
Building support systems: Identify childcare resources for critical deadlines or client meetings. This might include trading childcare with other working parents, scheduling regular babysitting hours, or coordinating with your partner for coverage during important work commitments.
Setting technology boundaries: Establish policies about when you’ll check email and respond to client messages. Using auto-responders and email signatures to communicate your availability sets clear expectations.
Involving your family: Help your children understand your work and its importance. Even young children can grasp the concept that “Mommy helps organizations get money to do good things.” Older children might take interest in the causes you support through your work.
Practicing self-care: Schedule regular time for activities that replenish your energy. Consultant burnout is real, particularly for moms trying to excel in multiple roles. Protect your health as a business asset.
Work-life integration expert Megan Flatt points out that “The beauty of consulting is that you get to design your business around your life, not squeeze your life into the leftover spaces around business. But this requires intentional planning and sometimes saying no to opportunities that don’t align with your priorities.”
Many successful mom consultants find that their businesses evolve as their families change. You might scale back during certain seasons of parenting or ramp up when you have more capacity. The flexibility to make these adjustments is one of the greatest benefits of building your own grant writing and nonprofit consulting practice.
Amy Appleyard, a grant writer and mother of three, shares that “I’ve designed my business to be busiest during the school year and lighter in summer. I take on few deadlines in December when my kids have activities and generally don’t schedule client calls after 2:30pm. These boundaries make consulting sustainable for our family.”
Remember that perfection isn’t the goal – successful integration means creating arrangements that work reasonably well for both your business and your family, with the understanding that both will have seasons of greater need and attention.
The grant writing and nonprofit consulting space offers a wonderful opportunity for detail-oriented moms to build meaningful careers while maintaining the flexibility that family life requires. With thoughtful planning and clear boundaries, you can create a business that supports both your professional ambitions and your personal priorities.
The Lasting Rewards of Grant Writing and Nonprofit Consulting
As we wrap up our exploration of the grant writing goldmine, it’s worth reflecting on the deeper rewards this career path offers to detail-oriented moms. Beyond the flexibility and financial benefits, grant writing and nonprofit consulting provide unique satisfactions that sustain many professionals through decades of service.
Making Meaningful Impact
Perhaps the most profound reward of grant writing is the tangible impact your work creates in communities. When you secure funding for a nonprofit, you enable programs that change lives – whether that’s providing educational opportunities, addressing hunger, supporting the arts, advancing medical research, or countless other worthy causes.
Unlike many professional roles where success is measured primarily in profit or output, grant writing success translates directly to social good. The proposals you craft may fund:
- After-school programs that keep children safe and engaged
- Housing initiatives that provide stability for vulnerable families
- Mental health services that support community wellbeing
- Environmental projects that protect natural resources
- Arts programs that bring beauty and cultural enrichment to neighborhoods
- Healthcare services that improve access for underserved populations
- Research that advances solutions to pressing social problems
Grant writing allows you to be part of creating positive change without necessarily being on the front lines. For moms who want to make a difference while maintaining professional boundaries, this behind-the-scenes impact can be deeply satisfying.
Certified Grant Writer Beverly Browning reflects that “After decades in this field, what keeps me engaged is knowing that my work creates ripples of impact far beyond what I could accomplish individually. Every funded proposal represents lives changed and communities strengthened.”
Many grant writers develop long-term relationships with organizations, watching as programs they helped fund grow and evolve over years. This longitudinal perspective on impact provides a sense of contribution to lasting change that few other professions offer.
Building Transferable Skills and Knowledge
Another significant benefit of grant writing and nonprofit consulting is the remarkable breadth of knowledge and skills you develop. Few other professions allow you to learn about so many different fields, organizational models, and approaches to social change.
In researching and writing grants, you may become conversant in:
Evidence-based practices across multiple disciplines
Educational methodologies and innovations
Public health challenges and interventions
Environmental science and sustainability approaches
Social service delivery models
Economic development strategies
Arts administration and cultural preservation
Scientific research methodologies
This exposure builds an extraordinary knowledge base that enriches both your professional perspective and personal understanding of complex issues. Many grant writers describe the continuous learning aspect of their work as intellectually stimulating and personally fulfilling.
The skills you develop are equally valuable and transferable. Grant writing hones your abilities in:
Persuasive writing and storytelling
Strategic thinking and planning
Financial analysis and budgeting
Research and data interpretation
Project design and logic modeling
Evaluation frameworks and metrics
Relationship building and network development
These competencies serve you well not only in your consulting practice but in many other aspects of life and potential future career paths. They’re also skills you can model and share with your children, demonstrating critical thinking, empathy, and effective communication.
Professional development consultant Janet Willhaus notes that “The versatility of grant writing experience is remarkable. I’ve seen grant writers transition into leadership roles in nonprofits, government agencies, foundations, and educational institutions because their skill set is so comprehensive and adaptable.”
Creating a Legacy of Learning
For many mom consultants, the grant writing and nonprofit consulting path creates opportunities to integrate professional expertise with family values in meaningful ways. Your work becomes not just a career but a vehicle for teaching your children about community engagement, social responsibility, and purposeful work.
Children who grow up watching a parent use professional skills to support worthy causes develop an understanding that careers can be both personally rewarding and socially beneficial. They observe the satisfaction that comes from aligning values with professional activities and learn that work can be a force for good.
Many grant writers report that their children develop early awareness of social issues and become engaged in community service themselves. Some even involve older children in age-appropriate discussions about the causes they support through their work, fostering critical thinking about social change.
Beyond the influence on your immediate family, grant writing consulting allows you to create a broader legacy through knowledge transfer. As you gain expertise, you may find fulfillment in:
Mentoring newer grant writers, particularly other parents seeking flexible careers
Training nonprofit staff to strengthen their internal grant seeking capacity
Contributing to the field through articles, presentations, or teaching
Serving on nonprofit boards where your expertise benefits organizational strategy
Advising community foundations or other funders on effective grant programs
Dr. Monica Suterski, a twenty-year grant writing veteran and mother of four, reflects that “When I started in this field, I was simply looking for professional work I could do while raising my children. What I found was a career that allowed me to help shape the nonprofit landscape in my community while modeling for my children that meaningful work and family priorities can coexist. Now that they’re grown, seeing them pursue their own purpose-driven paths is perhaps the most rewarding outcome of the choices I made.”
This legacy dimension adds a profound layer of satisfaction to a grant writing and nonprofit consulting career. Beyond the immediate benefits of flexibility and income, you’re building a professional identity that contributes to positive change while demonstrating values-aligned work to the next generation.
As you consider entering this field or expanding your current consulting practice, remember that the technical skills of grant writing can be learned, systems can be developed to manage the work efficiently, and networks can be built gradually. What you already bring to the table as a detail-oriented mom – your organizational abilities, communication skills, empathy, and commitment to making life better for others – forms the perfect foundation for success in this rewarding professional space.
The grant writing goldmine truly offers a rare combination of meaningful impact, intellectual challenge, financial reward, and lifestyle compatibility that makes it an ideal career path for many mothers. As you explore this opportunity, approach it with confidence that your existing strengths and life experience have already prepared you for much of what makes grant writers successful.
What experiences have you had with grant writing or nonprofit work? Are you considering moving into this field? I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
