“What’s your niche?” is a common question in business. In addition to contract grant writing, I own a small portfolio of websites, each with its own niche. A few years ago, I owned an ecommerce store with a specific niche.
I would rather serve a smaller audience really well than be average for a big audience. I apply this to grant writing.
I specialize in growing non-profit grant budgets from $0-$1M. That is my niche. If you are a small non-profit serious about quickly and deliberately adding grant revenue to your budget, you are my kind of client.
If you are any of the following, don’t hire me:
- For-profit business
- Interested in writing a few grants
- Not interested in a monthly retainer for at least 6 months
- Not willing or able to become grant-ready quickly
Grant Writing Tip of the Day
Cite relevant and credible data to support the need for your project.
How to identify your niche
My first contract grant client was a new grassroots organization serving bereaved children. They had a small donor budget and significant local support. The organization had won a local “Shark Tank” style contest for non-profits and already had some press.
I signed a retainer contract with them and began writing 5 grants/month. Within 6 years, I grew their grant budget from $0 to $1M. This experience provided a sort of blueprint for what it takes for me to grow a grant budget this quickly. It was exciting and motivating.
After they reached $1M in grant funding, it wasn’t fun for me anymore. It was time for them to transition to an in-house grant writer. There were multiple programs, a capital campaign, and tons of reporting. Understanding and fully communicating all the moving parts required physically being there every day. I am not willing to work a full-time job at an office. This is how I identified my niche.
Working with this client allowed me to learn my strengths and weaknesses and create the ideal persona for my subsequent clients. It allowed me to confidently say, “I am a contract grant writer who will quickly grow your grant budget from $0 to $1M.”
Think about what types of grants you enjoy writing. Where do you excel? What differentiator do you bring to your clients or employer? Answering these questions will help you narrow down your niche and become more effective in your grant writing.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants