As a new freelance grant writer, you might spend as much time seeking work as writing grants. This would be true no matter what freelance field you’re in. It may help you in your search to think of the process from the nonprofit’s point of view. Check out the article on how to hire a fundraising consultant at grassrootsfundraising.org.

Nothing will go further toward landing a grant-writing job than a strong recommendation. I wouldn’t hire anyone without first speaking with someone the applicant had worked for previously. I want to know if the working relationship went smoothly as well as if the proposal was successful.

If the reference tells me you listened carefully, incorporated everything she thought was important in the proposal, met all your deadlines, and were a joy to work with, the success of the proposal will be a nonissue (assuming it was well crafted).

Just as if you were seeking a full-time job, mobilize all your connections to help you find freelance work. Use your social networks (online and offline). Create a professional profile on LinkedIn or a similar website. Also check free job listings on nonprofit websites such as The Chronicle of Philanthropy (philanthropy.com) or Idealist (idealist.org). Organizations looking to fill a full-time position may hire you to do grants while they search for a permanent replacement.

And don’t forget to offer your services to other consultants. They may have more work than they can handle and can send some work your way.