Today, most museums are funded by a loyal band of private donors. Chances are, a good number of these contributors would not have funded the museum had it not been for a persuasive grant writer. For their part, most museum grant writers feel their job is rewarding, since their communications help keep museums alive.
Function
Museum grant writing is a strategic form of writing that aims to secure funds for a museum. Museum grant writers research individuals or companies who may have some interest in financing the museum and send them letters or grant proposals asking for contributions.
Job Requirements
A successful museum grant writer has superb communication skills. He must describe a museum's functions in an appealing way to inspire donations. A museum grant writer also has to be totally familiar with the museum's history, policies, and objectives.
Education
There are no formal educational requirements for museum grant writers. However, a bachelor's degree in the museum's subject matter (such as art) may be an asset. Moreover, many museum grant writers obtain grant-writing certification at community colleges.
Compensation
Many museum grant writers work on a volunteer basis, because so many museums are financially strapped and can't pay for the writer's services. Yet, according to Payscale.com, most grant writers earn about $40,000 per year, after a year of experience.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), all writing jobs are going to be competitive in the next decade. However, there will likely be more job opportunities for museum grant writers as museums become more reliant on private donations for their survival.
