A strong resume is key to standing out in the competitive field of grant writing.

Whether you're just starting your career or looking to take your experience to the next level, crafting a grant writer resume that highlights your skills and accomplishments is crucial.

In this article, we’ll walk through the essential elements of your document, provide tips on formatting, and share strategies to help you showcase your qualifications effectively.

Grant writer resume examples

Government grant writer resume sample

Government grant writer resume template

Government Grant Writer Resume
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Resume for government grant writer | Plain text

Emma Johnson

Denver, CO | emma.johnson@email.com | (720) 555-1234 | LinkedIn: /in/emmajohnson

Professional Summary

Detail-oriented government grant writer with 10+ years of experience securing federal and state funding for public infrastructure and social services programs. Skilled in drafting persuasive proposals, managing large-scale budgets, and ensuring compliance with government regulations.

Professional Experience

Senior Grant Writer

City of Denver, Department of Public Works | Denver, CO

April 2018 – Present

  • Researched and wrote 20+ successful federal grant proposals for transportation and public works projects, securing $3M in funding annually.
  • Coordinate with city planners and engineers to ensure all grant submissions are aligned with federal guidelines and project timelines.
  • Implement a grant tracking system that improved efficiency and reduced missed deadlines by 25%.
  • Conduct training sessions for junior staff on grant writing best practices and compliance procedures.
  • Liaise with government agencies to clarify proposal requirements and enhance communication flow during the application process.

Grant Specialist

Colorado Department of Health and Human Services | Denver, CO

June 2015 – March 2018

  • Drafted and submitted grant applications for public health initiatives, resulting in $2M in state and federal funding.
  • Conducted grant compliance reviews and assisted program managers with budget adjustments.
  • Trained staff on grant writing best practices and compliance requirements.
  • Reviewed and evaluated funding opportunities to identify alignment with departmental goals.
  • Created and maintained detailed grant calendars and reporting logs for internal audits.

Education

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

University of Colorado Denver | Graduated: May 2015

Bachelor of Arts in English

University of Colorado Boulder | Graduated: May 2013

Certifications

  • Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI, 2020
  • Certified Grant Writer (CGW), American Grant Writers' Association, 2018

Skills

  • Federal and state grant writing
  • Budget management
  • Compliance and regulations expertise
  • Proposal editing and proofreading
  • Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite
  • Strategic funding research and analysis
  • Grant lifecycle administration

Strong sides of this grant writer resume example:

  • The document effectively highlights measurable achievements, such as securing $5M in funding and implementing a grant tracking system that improved efficiency.
  • It includes certifications like PMP and CGW, showcasing professional development and expertise in the field.
  • The layout is clean and organized, making it easy to identify key qualifications, skills, and accomplishments quickly.

Layout and format of a grant writer resume

  • The font should be legible and professional. Common options include Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri, and Georgia.
  • Avoid overly decorative or difficult-to-read fonts like Comic Sans or Courier.
  • The resume length depends on your experience. It should typically be 1 page for those with less than 10 years of experience and 2 pages for those with more.
  • Keep margins at 1 inch on all sides to ensure the document looks balanced.
  • Add standard spacing between sections of resume (usually 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing) for readability.

To avoid formatting issues and save time, you can use an online resume writer.

Resume Trick offers editable resume templates specifically designed to highlight your skills and experience in a visually appealing way.

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Freelance grant writer resume example

Freelance grant writer resume template

Freelance Grant Writer Resume
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Sample freelance grant writer resume

Sarah Bennett

Austin, TX | sarah.bennett@email.com | (512) 555-7890 | Portfolio: sarahbennettgrants.com

Professional Summary

Accomplished freelance grant writer with 7+ years of experience working with nonprofits, small businesses, and educational institutions. Expertise in crafting persuasive grant proposals, identifying funding opportunities, and collaborating remotely with clients. Consistently delivers high-quality proposals, securing an average of $1M annually for diverse clients.

Professional Experience

Freelance Grant Writer

Self-Employed | Austin, TX

January 2015 – Present

  • Successfully wrote grant applications for 50+ clients, including nonprofits, startups, and educational institutions, achieving a 70% success rate.
  • Specialize in grants for arts, education, and environmental projects, securing funding from foundations such as the Ford Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.
  • Develop a comprehensive client management system to streamline communication and proposal progress tracking.
  • Edit and revise client-provided drafts to enhance persuasiveness and meet funder requirements.

Contract Grant Writer

Central Texas Wildlife Alliance | Austin, TX

March 2018 – December 2021

  • Wrote detailed grant proposals that secured $300,000+ annually for wildlife conservation programs.
  • Conducted donor research and provided fundraising recommendations to improve long-term grant sustainability.
  • Collaborated with program directors to align grant applications with the organization's mission and goals.
  • Designed and delivered grant writing workshops for staff and volunteers.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Texas State University | San Marcos, TX | Graduated: May 2012

Publications

  • Mastering the Art of Persuasive Grant Writing, Nonprofit Quarterly, 2020
  • Grant Writing for Environmental Projects: A Step-by-Step Guide, Green Nonprofits Journal, 2019

Skills

  • Grant research and writing
  • Client communication and collaboration
  • Time management and multitasking
  • Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace
  • Familiarity with donor management systems (e.g., Salesforce, Bloomerang)

This example of a grant writer resume is well-written:

  • The application emphasizes a high success rate (70%) and significant financial outcomes, such as securing $1M annually for clients.
  • It includes a publications section, which adds credibility and demonstrates thought leadership in the field of grant writing.
  • The diverse experience across various industries, including nonprofits, startups, and educational institutions, makes the profile versatile and appealing.

Should I choose a grant writer resume objective or summary?

A summary in resume highlights your professional experience and skills.

  • It's best for those with more history in the field.
  • It is typically 3-4 lines long and should showcase your accomplishments, expertise, and how you can contribute to the company and to the potential employer’s goals.

Grant writer resume summary sample:

Experienced grant writer with over 5 years of experience securing funding for nonprofit organizations. Skilled in crafting persuasive grant proposals and building strong relationships with funding agencies. Proficient in research, writing, and editing. Proven track record of securing $1M+ in funding for various projects.

An objective in resume focuses on what you hope to achieve in your next role.

  • It’s typically used by those entering the field, with limited experience.
  • It should be 1-2 sentences long, clearly stating your career goals and why you’re a good fit for the position.

Grant writer resume objective example:

Seeking a grant writer position with a nonprofit organization where I can apply my strong research and writing skills to secure funding and help support impactful community initiatives.

How to showcase your grant writer resume skills?

The resume skills section helps potential employers quickly assess whether you have the specific capabilities required for the role.

  • Hard skills are teachable and measurable abilities, such as technical knowledge or specialized software proficiency.
  • Soft skills are interpersonal attributes that influence how you work with others, such as communication or problem-solving.

Grant writer hard skills:

  • Grant writing
  • Research
  • Budgeting and financial analysis
  • Proposal writing
  • Knowledge of funding sources
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, etc.)
  • Database management
  • Project management software (Trello, Asana)
  • Editing and proofreading

Soft skills for grant writing:

  • Communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management
  • Critical thinking
  • Team collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Organization
  • Adaptability
  • Persuasiveness
  • Multitasking

Entry-level nonprofit grant writer resume template

Beginner nonprofit grant writer resume sample

Nonprofit Grant Writer Resume
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Nonprofit grant writer resume with no experience | Text version

Brandon Martinez

Chicago, IL | brandon.martinez@email.com | (312) 555-4567 | LinkedIn: /in/brandonmartinez

Objective

Recent graduate with a strong academic foundation in nonprofit management and a passion for securing funding to support community-driven programs. Seeking an entry-level grant writer position with the Chicago Community Action Network to leverage writing and research skills to make a meaningful impact.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Nonprofit Management

DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Graduated: May 2024

  • Relevant Coursework: Grant Writing, Fundraising Strategies, Nonprofit Leadership

Internship Experience

Grant Writing Intern

Chicago Community Action Network | Chicago, IL

January – May 2024

  • Assisted senior grant writers in drafting and submitting grant proposals to local foundations, resulting in $50,000 in new funding.
  • Conducted funding source research and compiled reports to support the grant writing team.
  • Maintained accurate records of grants submitted, awarded, and pending using Salesforce.
  • Prepared proposal presentations for board review meetings.
  • Developed boilerplate language and fact sheets to streamline proposal development.

Volunteer Coordinator Intern

Greater Chicago Food Depository | Chicago, IL

June – December 2023

  • Collaborated with volunteers to coordinate fundraising events and community outreach programs.
  • Wrote content for donor newsletters and social media campaigns to promote the organization’s mission.
  • Assisted in creating promotional materials for volunteer recruitment initiatives.
  • Conducted post-event analysis to identify areas for improvement.
  • Supported planning logistics for quarterly donor recognition events.

Volunteer Experience

Community Outreach Assistant, Chicago Homeless Alliance

June 2021 – August 2022

  • Supported fundraising efforts by creating promotional materials and engaging with donors.
  • Assisted in organizing an annual charity run that raised $25,000 for housing initiatives.

Skills

  • Research and data analysis
  • Writing and editing
  • Donor communication
  • Salesforce and Microsoft Office proficiency
  • Team collaboration
  • Proposal formatting and compliance review
  • Knowledge of local funding landscapes

This sample grant writer resume is effective for several reasons:

  • The document highlights relevant internships with measurable outcomes, such as securing $50,000 in funding.
  • It includes a strong objective statement that aligns perfectly with the targeted role and demonstrates enthusiasm for the nonprofit sector.
  • The inclusion of volunteer experience and coursework reinforces the candidate's commitment to nonprofit work and readiness for entry-level roles.

What academic credentials should I add to my resume?

The education section of resume provides insight into your background and qualifications.

  • Include your highest level of education first.
  • List the institution’s name and location.
  • If your degree is recent, add your graduation year. If you have significant work experience, the date isn’t as crucial.
  • Mention any specific courses or projects related to writing, research, or nonprofit work.

Scientific grant writer resume example

Scientific grant writer resume sample

Senior Scientific Grant Writer Resume
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Scientific grant writer resume | Text version

Natalie Chambers

natalie.chambers@email.com | (619) 555-2871 | San Diego, CA

Objective

Experienced Scientific Grant Writer with a background in biomedical research and over 10 years of success securing multi-million dollar funding from NIH, NSF, and private foundations. Seeking to contribute strategic proposal development and technical writing expertise to research institutions or biotech organizations.

Experience

Senior Scientific Grant Writer

Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA

March 2020 – October 2025

  • Collaborated with PIs to craft research narratives, aims, and justifications that secured over $25M in total awarded funding.
  • Created templates and proposal guidelines that improved submission efficiency and compliance with agency requirements.
  • Trained junior writers and postdocs on effective scientific communication and funding strategies.

Scientific Writer & Grant Specialist

UC San Diego Health, San Diego, CA

July 2017 – February 2020

  • Wrote and coordinated grants for clinical and translational research in oncology and immunotherapy.
  • Supported the Office of Research Affairs in developing strategic funding plans and identifying grant opportunities.
  • Edited manuscripts and technical reports to ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with publication standards.

Research Assistant (NIH-Funded Lab)

The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA

May 2015 – June 2017

  • Conducted molecular biology experiments focused on protein folding and cellular signaling pathways.
  • Assisted the PI in drafting grant proposals and progress reports, which resulted in renewed NIH funding.

Education

Master of Science in Biochemistry

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – 2015

Bachelor of Science in Biology

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor – 2013

Skills

  • NIH & NSF Grant Proposal Development
  • Technical & Scientific Writing
  • Peer-Reviewed Manuscript Editing
  • Funding Opportunity Research
  • Budget Justification & Biosketch Creation
  • Research Impact Narratives
  • Microsoft Word, Excel, EndNote
  • Familiarity with eRA Commons, ASSIST, and Grants.gov
  • Scientific disciplines: Biomedical, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Immunology

Certifications

  • Research Compliance Training — CITI Program, 2023
  • Certificate in Grant Writing — UC San Diego Extension, 2019

Selected Funded Proposals

  • NIH R01 – “Mechanisms of Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease” – $3.2M (2022–2027)
  • NSF CAREER – “Protein Folding Under Cellular Stress Conditions” – $1.1M (2021–2026)
  • American Cancer Society Research Grant – “Targeting KRAS Mutations in Colorectal Cancer” – $800K (2020–2023)

What makes this resume winning?

  • Each occupation demonstrates progressive responsibility and impact.
  • Mentioning $25M+ in awarded funding and listing individual funded proposals with amounts and timeframes is excellent.
  • Clean formatting, structured sections, and concise bullets improve readability and scannability.

Experience section in a grant writer resume

  • Always state the job title you held, such as “Grant Writer,” “Grants Coordinator,” or “Fundraising Specialist.” This helps recruiters quickly understand your role.
  • Write the company name and the dates you worked there.
  • For each position, list your main duties and any significant accomplishments.
  • Use bullet points for clarity and focus on results.
  • Where possible, quantify your achievements (e.g., “Secured $500,000 in funding for a major public health initiative”).

Conclusion

A well-structured grant writer resume can make all the difference when applying for competitive positions.

By emphasizing relevant skills, showcasing past achievements, and tailoring your document to each specific job, you’ll be setting yourself up for success.

With the right application, you can confidently demonstrate your expertise and stand out to potential employers or clients.

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