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Grant Writer
Resume Example
4.5 / 5
Why This Template Works
This Grant Writer resume format works well for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) because it includes a clear section on relevant experience and skills that are essential for the job. By using industry-specific keywords such as 'grant writer', 'nonprofit sector', and 'environmental conservation', the resume ensures high relevance in search results. Additionally, the inclusion of quantifiable achievements like securing $5 million in federal funding highlights success and makes a strong case for employment.
Moreover, the use of bullet points to list accomplishments is effective for ATS as these systems often prioritize scanning text within short, punchy phrases. This format also makes it easy for human readers to quickly grasp key information, enhancing both digital and traditional resume effectiveness.
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How to Write This Resume
Expert guidelines and best practices for each section of your resume.
01
Contact
Contact
First Name Last Name City, State, Zip Code Phone Number | Email Address LinkedIn Profile URL | Portfolio URL (Optional)
General Guidelines
Your contact information is the first section recruiters see. Keep it concise and professional. Ensure your email address is appropriate (e.g., [email protected]). Include your LinkedIn profile for a comprehensive view of your professional journey. A portfolio or personal website is recommended for creative, technical, or design roles.
Avoid This
Do not include your full physical address (street number/name) for privacy reasons. Avoid including personal details like marital status, age, photo, or social security number unless specifically required in your country. Don't use unprofessional email addresses.
Real Examples
See clear examples of how to format contact details effectively.
Don't
John Doe 1234 Random St, Apt 56 New York, NY 10001 [email protected] github.com/aliciacode Single, 28 years old
Do
John Doe New York, NY (555) 123-4567 | [email protected] linkedin.com/in/johndoe | johndoe.com
Quick Tips
- Use a professional email address (firstname.lastname format)
- Ensure your voicemail is set up and professional
- Double-check your phone number and email for typos
- Make your LinkedIn URL custom (linkedin.com/in/yourname)
02
Summary
Summary
Professional Title Result-oriented [Role Name] with [Number] years of experience in [Key Skills/Industries]. Proven track record of [Major Achievement]. Skilled in [Key Technologies/Skills]. Committed to delivering [Specific Value] for [Target Industry/Company type].
General Guidelines
A professional summary is your elevator pitch. It should be 3-5 sentences long, summarizing your experience, key skills, and major achievements. Tailor it to the job description by using relevant keywords. Focus on what makes you unique and the value you bring to potential employers.
Avoid This
Avoid generic objectives like 'Looking for a challenging role to grow my skills.' Recruiters want to know what value you bring to them, not what you want from them. Don't use first-person pronouns (I, me, my). Keep it concise and impactful.
Real Examples
Compare a weak objective with a strong professional summary.
Don't
Objective: I am a hard-working individual looking for a Grant Writer position where I can learn new things and advance my career.
Do
Experienced Senior Grant Writer with over 6 years in securing federal funding, particularly in environmental conservation. Successfully secured $5M+ in grants through data-driven impact metrics and strategic partnerships.
Quick Tips
- Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., 'Increased revenue by 20%')
- Keep it under 5 lines for readability
- Use strong action verbs to start sentences
- Tailor the summary to match the job description
03
Skills
Skills
Technical Skills - Languages: [List] - Frameworks: [List] - Tools: [List] Soft Skills - [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]
General Guidelines
Group your skills logically (e.g., Languages, Frameworks, Tools). Focus on hard skills relevant to the job. List skills in order of proficiency or relevance. Soft skills are better demonstrated through bullet points in your experience section rather than a bare list.
Avoid This
Do not list skills you are not comfortable using in an interview. Avoid using progress bars or percentages to rate your skills (e.g., "Java: 80%"). Do not include outdated technologies unless specifically required.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for skills
Don't
Listed multiple programming languages without context or relevance to the job, such as 'Python: 90%, JavaScript: 80%'
Do
Clearly listed relevant tools like 'Grants.gov', 'Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud', and 'Tableau' for data visualization.
Quick Tips
- Tailor your hard skills to match the requirements of grant writing, such as proficiency in specific software or databases.
- Emphasize soft skills like communication and project management through your experience descriptions rather than in a separate skills list.
- Include relevant certifications (e.g., Grant Writing Professional Certification) under skills to highlight your expertise.
- List only the most recent tools and technologies you have used, ensuring they are current and pertinent to the job.
04
Experience
Experience
Job Title | Company Name | Location Month Year – Month Year - Action Verb + Context + Result (Quantified) - Led [Project] resulting in [Outcome]... - Collaborated with [Team] to implement [Feature]...
General Guidelines
This is the core of your resume. Use reverse-chronological order (most recent first). Start each bullet with a strong action verb. Focus on achievements and impact, not just duties. Use numbers to quantify your impact (dollars, percentages, time saved, users affected). Show progression and increasing responsibility.
Avoid This
Avoid passive language like "Responsible for..." or "Tasked with...". Don't list every single daily task; focus on significant contributions and measurable outcomes. Avoid jargon that recruiters outside your field won't understand.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for experiences
Don't
Responsible for writing grant proposals, ensuring all applications were submitted on time.
Do
Wrote and submitted 30 grant proposals, securing $1.8 million in funding for conservation efforts.
Quick Tips
- Use strong action verbs to start each bullet point such as 'Secured', 'Led', or 'Developed'.
- Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., 'increased fundraising efficiency by 30%') rather than just stating achievements.
- Focus on specific projects and their outcomes instead of general duties performed in the role.
- Highlight collaboration with other departments to demonstrate teamwork and cross-functional impact.
05
Education
Education
Degree Name | University Name | Location Month Year – Month Year - Relevant Coursework: [Course 1], [Course 2] - Honors/Awards: [Award Name] - GPA: X.X (if above 3.5)
General Guidelines
List your highest degree first. If you have significant work experience, keep the education section brief. Include your GPA only if it is above 3.5 or if you are a recent graduate. Highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, honors, or leadership roles.
Avoid This
Do not include high school details if you have a college degree. Avoid listing every single course you took; select only the most relevant ones. Don't include graduation dates from decades ago if age discrimination is a concern in your field.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for educations
Don't
Master of Science in Nonprofit Management | Portland State University, Portland, OR September 2016 - May 2018 - Coursework: Sociology of Nonprofits, Grant Writing Techniques, Community Development Strategies - Leadership Role: Vice President of the Nonprofit Studies Club (2017) - GPA: 3.4
Do
Master of Science in Nonprofit Management | Portland State University, Portland, OR September 2016 - May 2018 - Relevant Coursework: Grant Writing and Proposal Development, Data Analytics for Nonprofits, Strategic Financial Planning - Honors/Awards: Outstanding Thesis Award (2017) - GPA: 3.9
Quick Tips
- Start with your highest degree to emphasize your academic achievements.
- Keep education brief if you have extensive work experience.
- Highlight only the most relevant coursework and any honors or awards received.
- Include your GPA only if it is above 3.5 or if you are a recent graduate.
06
Projects
Projects
Project Name | Tools/Technologies Used - Briefly describe what you created and its purpose - Highlight specific challenges you solved - Link to portfolio or demo if available
General Guidelines
Projects are excellent for demonstrating practical skills, especially if you lack work experience or are changing careers. Include a link to your portfolio or demo if possible. Focus on projects that show problem-solving skills and relevant tools for the target role.
Avoid This
Don't include trivial tutorials unless you significantly expanded on them. Avoid projects that are outdated, incomplete, or irrelevant to the role you're applying for. Don't just list technologies—explain what you created and why it matters.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for projects
Don't
Created a simple Excel spreadsheet that lists all my expenses and income. No specific challenges or outcomes mentioned.
Do
Developed an integrated budget management tool using Google Sheets, enabling real-time tracking of expenses and revenue for small nonprofits. Implemented conditional formatting to highlight areas requiring attention. This project helped streamline financial reporting and enhanced transparency.
Quick Tips
- Select projects that showcase your ability to solve complex problems related to grant writing or nonprofit management.
- Detail how you used specific tools and technologies relevant to the Grant Writer role, such as data analytics platforms or CRM software.
- Include measurable outcomes if possible, like securing funding, improving reporting processes, or enhancing stakeholder communication.
- Always provide context about your project's impact on the organization or community it served.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this role and how to best present it on your resume.
Writing proposals, research and analysis, understanding of grant guidelines.
Highlight relevant experience and certifications. Emphasize transferable skills and achievements.
Experience, proven track record of successful grants, networking within the industry.
Include specific examples with details like grant amount and impact achieved.
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