Top 10 Grant Writer Certifications

Certifications for grant writers are important for two main reasons: credibility and knowledge. First, certifications can provide a grant writer with increased credibility in the job market. Having a certification demonstrates a level of expertise and professionalism that can be attractive to potential employers.

Second, certifications may also provide grant writers with specialized knowledge and skills that they might not have obtained through their academic or professional experience. Certifications often come with educational programs, workshops, and seminars that can help grant writers stay up to date on the latest trends in grant writing. This specialized knowledge can help them write more effective grants that have a better chance of being approved by funding sources.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Grant Writers and explains how they can contribute to a grant writer's career, helping them become more successful and competitive in their field.

What are Grant Writer Certifications?

Grant writer certification is a professional credential that is designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of grant writers. It is awarded by a variety of organizations, including the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI). This certification is intended to demonstrate a commitment to the profession and provide potential employers with assurance that an individual has met certain standards for proficiency in grant writing.

Certification can be especially beneficial for those seeking employment in the field of grant writing. A certified grant writer may be more attractive to employers because they have demonstrated their ability to write successful grants and stay up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Having this certification can also help individuals earn higher salaries, as it shows employers that they are knowledgeable about the field and have put in effort to increase their skillset. Additionally, many organizations require certified grant writers, so having this certification can increase your chances of being hired.

Overall, obtaining a grant writer certification can be extremely beneficial for those who wish to pursue a career in this field or advance their current role. It serves as an official recognition of your knowledge and experience within the industry, which can help you stand out from other applicants and improve your chances of getting hired or promoted.

Pro Tip: Before you decide to pursue grant writer certification, make sure to research the various certifications available and their associated costs. Different certifications offer different levels of recognition and come with a variety of requirements, so it's important to find one that best suits your needs.

Related: What does a Grant Writer do?

Top 10 Grant Writer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Grant Writers today.

1. Certified Grant Professional (GPC)

Certified Grant Professional (GPC) is a professional certification program offered by the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in grant writing and grant management. The GPC credential is the only internationally-recognized grant certification program for grant professionals.

To earn the GPC credential, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of three years of grant experience and completing at least 40 hours of continuing education in grantsmanship. Applicants must also pass an online examination administered by the GPCI. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as research methods, proposal writing, and project management.

The process of becoming a Certified Grant Professional typically takes between six months and one year. During this time, applicants are expected to complete their continuing education requirements and prepare for the examination.

The cost to become a Certified Grant Professional varies depending on the applicant’s level of experience and whether they are members of any professional organizations such as the Grant Professionals Association or National Grants Management Association. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 to become certified.

2. Certified Proposal Writer (CPW)

Certified Proposal Writer (CPW) is a professional certification program designed to help professionals develop the skills and knowledge required to write effective proposals. The CPW program is offered by the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP).

The CPW certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as proposal development, writing, management, and evaluation. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. To be eligible for the CPW certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in proposal writing or related fields.

To get certified as a Certified Proposal Writer, applicants must first register with APMP and pay the associated fee. After registering, applicants will receive study materials and access to practice exams which can help them prepare for the actual exam. Once they are ready to take the exam, applicants can schedule their appointment with an APMP-approved testing center.

The cost for taking the CPW exam varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

3. Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)

The Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the fundraising profession. It is the only globally-recognized certification for fundraising professionals and is granted by CFRE International, an independent non-profit organization.

To be eligible to receive the CFRE credential, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum of five years of full-time paid professional experience in fundraising and completing at least 100 hours of continuing education in fundraising or related topics within the past five years.

The process to obtain the CFRE credential involves submitting an application to CFRE International and passing a written examination. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering six core knowledge areas: ethics and accountability; relationship building; resource development; stewardship and donor relations; volunteerism; and management. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the exam is $395 for members of CFRE International or $495 for non-members. There are also additional fees for re-testing if necessary, as well as annual renewal fees after obtaining the credential.

4. National Grants Management Association (NGMA) Certification

The National Grants Management Association (NGMA) Certification is a professional certification program that provides training and recognition to individuals in the grants management field. The NGMA Certification is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those who work in grants management. It is an independent certification program, not affiliated with any particular organization or government agency.

The NGMA Certification consists of two levels: Certified Grants Manager (CGM) and Certified Senior Grants Manager (CSGM). To earn either level of certification, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of grants management by passing a comprehensive examination. The CGM exam covers topics such as grant policies and procedures, financial management, compliance monitoring, and reporting requirements. The CSGM exam covers more advanced topics such as strategic planning for grant programs and performance measurement.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the NGMA Certification exams. Applicants should plan on studying for at least two hours per day during this time period. There are several study materials available from the NGMA website that can help applicants prepare for the exams.

The cost of the NGMA Certification exams varies depending on which level you are applying for. The CGM exam costs $395 while the CSGM exam costs $495. In addition, there is an annual renewal fee of $50 for both levels of certification.

Overall, obtaining the NGMA Certification can be a great way to demonstrate your expertise in grants management and advance your career in this field.

5. Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI) Certification

The Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI) is a non-profit organization that provides certification to grant professionals who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to be successful in the field. This certification is recognized by the National Council of Nonprofits and is an internationally recognized standard for grant professionals.

To become certified through GPCI, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having at least three years of professional experience in grant writing or related fields and completing a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education within the past five years. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as proposal writing, budget development, research methods, and evaluation techniques.

The GPCI certification process typically takes between three to six months to complete. To begin the process, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as proof of experience and continuing education credits. After submitting their application materials, applicants will receive an email notification with instructions on how to access their online exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. Once applicants have passed the exam they will receive their GPCI certification card via mail.

The cost for GPCI certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA). For GPA members, the cost is $295; for non-members it is $395. Additionally, there is a one-time fee of $50 for new applications and $25 for renewals every five years.

6. American Grant Writers' Association (AGWA) Certification

The American Grant Writers’ Association (AGWA) Certification is a professional certification program for grant writers. It is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of grant writing excellence and professionalism. The certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and experience in grant writing by passing an exam.

To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of professional grant writing experience or equivalent education and training. They must also submit a portfolio that demonstrates their understanding of the fundamentals of grant writing, including research techniques, proposal development, and evaluation strategies.

The AGWA Certification Exam is offered twice a year in April and October. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover all aspects of grant writing. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam.

Applicants must pay an application fee of $200 when they apply for the AGWA Certification Exam. Once they pass the exam, they will receive their certificate within six weeks after the exam date. There is an annual renewal fee of $50 to maintain active certification status with AGWA.

7. National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) Certified Grant Writer

The National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) Certified Grant Writer is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and experience of grant writers. It is designed to provide nonprofit organizations with assurance that the grant writer they hire has the necessary skills and expertise to write successful grants.

The certification process involves completing an online application, passing an exam, and submitting a portfolio of grant writing samples. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as grant writing fundamentals, proposal development, research methods, evaluation techniques, and reporting requirements.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the certification process. The cost of the certification varies depending on the type of membership you have with NCN. For example, individual members pay $295 for the certification while organizational members pay $395.

In addition to providing assurance that your grant writer has the necessary skills and expertise, having a certified grant writer can help boost your organization’s credibility when applying for grants. It also shows potential funders that you are committed to investing in quality grant writing services.

8. Foundation Center's Grantsmanship Training Program

The Foundation Center's Grantsmanship Training Program is an intensive, five-day course designed to help nonprofit organizations develop the skills and knowledge needed to successfully pursue and secure funding from foundations, corporations, and government sources. The program provides practical instruction on the entire grants process from researching potential funders, writing effective proposals, developing budgets, and building relationships with funders.

The training program is offered in various locations throughout the United States as well as online. It typically takes place over five consecutive days and includes a combination of lectures, interactive exercises, group discussions, case studies, and individual coaching. Participants will receive a certificate of completion upon successful completion of the program.

To get the training program you can register online or by mail. The cost for the five-day training program varies depending on location but typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 per person.

9. Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Certificate in Fundraising Management

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Certificate in Fundraising Management is a professional certification program designed to provide fundraising professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their field. The program consists of four courses that cover topics such as donor relations, grant writing, event planning, and financial management. Each course is offered online and can be completed in approximately 8-10 weeks.

In order to receive the AFP Certificate in Fundraising Management, individuals must successfully complete all four courses. Upon completion of the four courses, individuals will receive a certificate from AFP acknowledging their successful completion of the program.

The cost for the AFP Certificate in Fundraising Management is $1,200 USD. This fee covers all four courses and the certificate itself.

10. International Grant Professionals Network (IGPN) Certification

The International Grant Professionals Network (IGPN) is a professional association dedicated to providing certification, education and networking opportunities for grant professionals. The IGPN Certification is the only international credentialing program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of grant professionals. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of grant writing, management, and evaluation.

The IGPN Certification Program consists of two parts: an online exam and an in-person assessment. The online exam covers topics such as grant writing, management, evaluation, and research methods. The in-person assessment includes an individualized review of the candidate’s grant writing portfolio by a panel of experienced grant professionals.

To obtain the IGPN Certification, candidates must pass both the online exam and the in-person assessment with a score of at least 80%. Candidates must also submit proof of their professional experience in grant writing or related fields.

The entire process typically takes about six months to complete from start to finish. Candidates should expect to spend several hours studying for the online exam and preparing their portfolio for submission prior to taking the in-person assessment.

The cost for obtaining IGPN Certification varies based on membership status with IGPNNetwork.org. Non-members are charged a one-time fee of $350 USD; members are charged $250 USD; and students are charged $200 USD.

Do You Really Need a Grant Writer Certificate?

The short answer is no. You do not need a grant writer certificate to become a successful grant writer. However, having credentials can give you an edge in the competitive world of grant writing. It can demonstrate to potential employers and clients that you have taken the time to learn the craft of grant writing and have invested in your professional development.

A grant writer certificate is generally offered by universities or other organizations as part of a continuing education program. These programs are typically designed for those who are already working within the field of grant writing, but may also be beneficial for newcomers to the industry. In addition to providing formal education and training on various topics related to grant writing, such courses may provide access to resources like sample proposals and tips on how to write effective grants.

Ultimately, if you want to become a successful grant writer, it is important to understand both the technical and creative aspects of this profession. You should be able to research potential funding sources, create compelling proposals, and develop relationships with funders. Having a certification or degree in grant writing can certainly give you an advantage over others who lack these credentials; however, it ultimately comes down to your experience and skill set when competing for jobs or contracts.

Related: Grant Writer Resume Examples

FAQs About Grant Writer Certifications

1. What is a grant writer certification?

Answer: A grant writer certification is an educational program or credential that provides training to individuals in the field of grant writing and demonstrates expertise in the area. It can help individuals obtain jobs in a variety of organizations, from nonprofit organizations to government agencies.

2. What are the benefits of having a grant writer certification?

Answer: Having a grant writer certification demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in securing grants for your organization or client. It also gives you access to resources and networks that may not be available without the certification. Additionally, it can provide career advancement opportunities as well as increased job security.

3. How do I become certified as a grant writer?

Answer: Certification programs vary depending on the institution offering them, but typically require completion of coursework related to grant writing, such as research methods, proposal writing, budgeting and evaluation techniques. Some programs may also require applicants to have experience in grant writing or related fields before being accepted into the program.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a grant writer?

Answer: The length of time needed to complete a certification program varies depending on the institution offering it and how much time an individual has available for studying and completing coursework requirements. Generally speaking, most programs take between six months and one year to complete.

5. Is there an exam required for becoming certified as a grant writer?

Answer: Yes, most institutions offering certification programs will require applicants to pass an exam prior to receiving their certificate of completion or credentialing status. Exams typically cover topics such as research methods, proposal writing, budgeting and evaluation techniques related to effective grant writing practices.