Easy Fund Raising Ideas

Posts Tagged ‘writing’

Question: Is non-profit work a thankless job?

I work in the fundraising department of a small non-profit, up there were 3 people in my department, I am currently alone. I feel as though I am being taken advantage of, and since I am in the office more often than not I never “see” the fruits of my labor. I do a lot, and I am hardly ever thanked by my E.D., and I have asked for a change of title, but was basically told no. Am I being a brat, or do I have a right to feel the way I do? Is this a common problem in the non-profit industry. Am I really alone?

Answer: No! You are not alone! I work for a non-profit in Orlando, Florida and I my last day is August 2nd. I have worked with the company for two years. I have my BA and am working on my master’s, but I just can’t work for my position any more.

The clients are hard to deal with. The staff are all under-paid and unhappy. And I would like to say that I just want to help people, but I can’t help anyone if I am poor and unhappy. I do not think you are a brat. If you are not getting the fulfilment that you need, then find another path that is either very rewarding or very profitable. If not, you will end up in a thankless job with no money and not happiness. Believe me, I’ve been there.

Children helping children

Question: Can grant writers work for organizations outside of their local area/town?

I became familiar with grant writing, Fundraising And Development through a former position at a charter school. I am interested in branching out into freelance proposal writing. My plan was to market to the local area but we have since moved to a different state for my husband’s position. I now live in a rural area. There are 2 cities nearby (each an hour away) and a large metro area about 2 hours away.

Since my experiences came from working within one company, I’m not sure about working as a freelancer as far as how much time would be required to be at/nearby the organization(s) I’ll be working with.

Would I be able to market myself to the nearby metro areas and do well? Could being in a rural area in basically a triangle of cities actually work in my favor? How much time would be needed of me to be at each organization?

Thank you in advance.

Answer: Yes, you can market yourself in nearby areas and do well. For freelance grant writing, you usually don’t need to live near your clients. You can work from home and send the materials to them electronically.

Regarding marketing, since you have experience with one company, I suggest you focus on an area of expertise and concentrate your efforts on finding organizations that can benefit from a grant writer who has the unique knowledge that you have.

You get to determine how much time you will devote to the organizations that hire you. You should get involved with a group of grant writers (I’m sure there is an association for grant writers) and see what kind of information they can share with you. They’ll be helpful regarding how to set your rates, how to market yourself, and how to refine your skills.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

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