Ten Reasons Why Grant Writers Will Thrive Despite COVID-19 Crisis

Thankfully, grant writers will not be participating in the economic stresses created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Below, I will set out my top ten best reasons why grant writers will thrive during this crisis.

1. Grant Writing is Safe. 

Grant writing is an occupation that is well-suited to a dangerous new environment where hand-shaking is discouraged and employees are urged to work at home. It is a productive activity that does not require any face-to-face meetings or exposure. All elements of the grant writing process can be effectively handled by an individual working at home or in a safe, secluded office.

2. Grant Writers are Essential.

Nearly everything of significance in this world must first cross the desk of a grant writer. This is because even in times of crisis paperwork is generated to satisfy the funder's needs for efficiency and accountability. No one just hands out cash. Even now - when the federal government is eager to get more money circulating in the economy - they are demanding we fill out more forms and applications. In sophisticated requests, the grant writer must assemble the research needed to present a project in the best possible light. In my own grant writing consulting business I can report that I am busier than ever before and hiring more staff to assist me in serving our clients.

3. Charities Need Skilled Grant Writers in Tough Times. 

Charities need us no matter what is going on with the economy. After all, there will always be tons of grants available and unrelenting deadlines to meet. Charities are dependent on the skilled labor of a grant writing professional to access billions of dollars in reliable funding from corporations, foundations and governments. There is a particularly urgent need for grant writers who can work quickly. Accordingly, your existing clients or employers will probably make the grant writer the last thing they cut. In fact, if they do cut the grant writer this is a sign that the agency itself will soon most likely go out of business.

4. Funding Sources Remain Strong Even in a Crisis.

In an economic crisis, we can predict that corporate funding may slack off a bit, but foundation funding will remain strong. This is because their income is generated through investments in the stock market and bonds. As long term investors, they are actually making money now by purchasing less expensive stocks. The bottom line is that they are not dependent on the consumers for their financial well-being. Even more significant is the fact that foundations are required to continue making payouts no matter what under IRS regulations. They have to give out 5% of their assets whether or not there is a COVID-19 pandemic.

5. Government Funding is Bigger than Ever. 

Likewise, there is plenty of business out there for grant writers who focus on preparing state and federal grant requests. Given the extent of the pandemic, we can be sure that the government will still be funding grants - even if it has to borrow money to pay for them. After all, political decision-makers are anxious to put money back into the economy, especially to support those who - through no fault of their own - are being prohibited from working their normal jobs. Grant writers are the workers who are most likely to snag significant government grants for their organizations and communities. 

6. Charities Are Running Out of Options in Fundraising.               

There will be plenty of demand for grant writers during this crisis because other fundraising methods are difficult if not impossible to implement right now. Due to social distancing requirements, we can expect most, if not all, charities to cancel large scale fundraising events. They will also have to cut back on major gift fundraising or planned giving...especially in situations which require them to schedule face-to-face meetings with elderly donors. With their other options shut down, charities will be turning to grant writers to keep their charities running strong.

7. Grant Writers Are Needed Despite Short Term Crises.

One of the things that surprised me about being a grant writing consultant is that our work does not seem to follow any seasonal patterns. We seem to be going full tilt all yearlong, slowing down only in December due to the Christmas season. One reason for this continuity is that there is no one set time for government or foundation grant deadlines. These deadlines are all over the calendar. Moreover, many foundations have rolling or quarterly deadlines meaning that you can apply next quarter if you miss this quarter's deadline.

8. Grant Writing Cannot Be Automated.

Likewise, there is no way to automate what grant writers do to reduce labor costs. This work requires swift adaptation to a variety of application formats including on-line applications, letters of inquiry, and full proposals. Government grants have different requirements each year which demand inventive problem-solving. None of this can be accomplished by machines. In fact, due to the importance of clear writing, it is work that is difficult if not impossible to outsource. (Grant research, however, might be automated more in the future.)

9. Historically, Grant Writing is Counter Cyclical.

Even during the Great Recession of 2008-2009, our business remained strong and we kept all our staff working. For the reasons indicated above grant resources remain available even in the worst of times because they tap into both foundation wealth and government resources. In the worst possible case, the government might find itself printing money to help pay for grants. Paradoxically, when times get tough, grant writers are even more in demand because the competition for grant resources increases. Charities which didn't have time for grant writing in the past suddenly find it is just about their only option for winning money in the midst of a crisis.

10. Grant Writers Have Extremely Low Overhead.

Finally, grant writing is not a capital intensive business. It has extremely low overhead. You work at the kitchen table. The start up costs are minimal, typically limited to a high speed computer, a screen, an ergonomic key board, internet connection, cell phone service, and a comfortable chair. I've written grants in airports. I've written them overseas in places like China, Egypt and the Philippines. Due to the low overhead, grant writers are seldom in debt for their capital equipment, supplies or rent. This makes their businesses resilient in times of trouble. Overall, I'm not exaggerating when I say there hasn't been a better time to be a grant writer.