Have you ever thought about doing some grant writing as a job? If so, then congratulations! You have found the ideal employment opportunity. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a new challenge, then the world of philanthropy may be right for you. In either case, let’s take a look at how you can make the most of your new found or renewed appreciation for public policy and administration.
The Need For Philanthropy In The Digital Age
With all the noise surrounding online shopping and social media, it’s easy to forget about the impact that the internet and digital marketing have had on our world. Since the turn of the century, we’ve seen an explosion of new businesses and platforms emerge thanks to the growth of the internet. These platforms range from subscription-based models (like Audible) to gig-working platforms (like Amazon Mechanical Turk) to social media (like Twitter and Instagram).
As these platforms have grown in popularity, so too has the need for philanthropy. Individuals and organizations alike are seeking new ways to engage with their communities, and many are choosing to do so online.
According to Forbes, in 2018 alone, more than $1 trillion will be spent online by consumers around the world. In the U.S., e-commerce sales are expected to grow from 18% to 20% of total retail sales by next year.
Where Do I Start?
While these figures may not represent a direct call to action for philanthropy, they do highlight the growing importance of digital outreach. Forrester reports that by next year, 76% of philanthropic foundations will fund projects that lean into the digital sphere.
If you’re interested in getting into the field of grant writing, then the first thing you’ll want to do is find a reputable source to guide you. The best place to start is the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) website. On their careers page, you’ll find all sorts of jobs listed, including senior writer, public relations practitioner, and digital marketing expert. You may also want to consider taking a graduate course in journalism or marketing, which can help you break into the field. Alternatively, you can find a reputable for-profit company that’s looking for entry-level staff and get a job there. Once you’re in the field, you can decide what specific area of philanthropy you want to work in. In this piece, we’ll discuss how to do grant writing as a job, but keep in mind that this is only one avenue amongst many that you can take in the field.
The Basics Of A Grant
A grant is another way to give back to your community. To begin with, let’s discuss the basics:
- The purpose of a grant is to fund an effort that benefits the community. It can be used for any type of project.
- A grant is usually delivered in exchange for some type of social good. As a general rule, the more resources your project needs, the more you need to offer in return.
- The best grants are flexible and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the applicant. They also need to be realistic about what the grantee can accomplish. The more you can do to make your grant stand out, the more you’re likely to get it approved.
In some cases, you may not need to write a single word to get a grant. All you need to do is identify a specific need in your community and present a viable solution to the problem. It really is that simple. Whether you’re applying for a grant to fund your pet project or to help a neighbor with a community clean-up effort, these are the basics to remember. Keep things simple and present a clear case for why the grant should be awarded to you. With a little luck, you’ll have your answer in no time.
The Steps To Take
Once you’ve got your grant, it’s time to take the next steps. Depending on the specific needs of your project, you may want to consider doing the following:
- Arrange for an evaluation of your project’s progress. This can be done through a review of previous financial reports or through more formal methods such as third-party audits. It’s also worth looking into the services that 4A’s Center for Digital Ethics and Society (CDE&S) can provide. CDE&S specializes in ethical and social impact assessments for social media platforms, online marketplaces, and e-commerce businesses. They can help you choose the right evaluation approach for your project. Depending on your budget, you may want to consider hiring them for just this purpose.
- Update your grant every three months. This will ensure that your grant continues to be prioritized and that your contributions are being monitored.
- Consider creating a working group made up of representatives from your target audience. This group can help you find the best ways to address the problems your project is trying to solve. It can also help you find new ways to bring value to your community. For instance, if you’re seeking funds to build a playground for kids, you might want to form a working group with representatives from local schools and daycares. The goal is to come up with creative ways to get the most out of your grant, while also ensuring that it addresses the specific needs of your community.
- Finally, be sure to celebrate any and all success that comes from this endeavor.
In short, a grant is another way to give back to your community. It can be used for any type of project, and it can provide a source of funding for small businesses, nonprofits, and even governments. If you’re looking for a new challenge, then consider exploring the world of philanthropy. By doing good online, you can continue to make an impact and have fun at the same time. And if you’re looking to get into the field, then consider applying for a grant. The more you do, the more you’ll learn, and the more you’ll enjoy yourself. Before you know it, you’ll be writing your own checks as well.