From Farming to Grant Writing: One Man's Journey to Success

The Power of Saying Yes

Juan's journey into grant writing began with a simple "yes." As a graduate student at Texas A&M University, he encountered a professor who was one of the best grant writers in the state. This professor taught classes on grant writing, agricultural advising, and monitoring and evaluation. Juan decided to say yes to all of these opportunities, setting the stage for his future career.

This initial "yes" led to an incredible opportunity to work in Congo and Rwanda. With just a month's notice, Juan and his family sold everything and moved to Africa. This bold decision would shape the next six years of his life and career.

From Africa to America: Building a Grant Writing Career

During his time in Africa, Juan worked on various projects, writing grants and helping others secure funding. He estimates that he helped raise around $18 million in funding during this period. This experience proved invaluable when he returned to the United States and faced the challenge of finding a job.

Realizing the potential of his grant writing skills, Juan decided to pursue it as a full-time career. He appreciated the flexibility it offered, allowing him to work from home and spend time with his children while still staying connected to the agricultural sector.

The Collective: A Turning Point

Despite his extensive experience, Juan felt he needed additional support and resources to succeed in the American grant writing landscape. He joined the Grant Writing Collective, attracted by its project-based approach and comprehensive resources.

Juan found immense value in the Collective's templates, fundraising strategies, and supportive community. He credits these resources with helping him overcome imposter syndrome and successfully tackle federal grants, something he had never done before.

Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success

Juan's journey wasn't without its challenges. He recalls a particularly grueling period where he completed four federal grants back-to-back, including a 70-page grant for Jamaica. This experience, which he likens to a "Spartan race of grants," tested his limits but ultimately proved his capabilities.

Initially, Juan struggled to secure clients and determine appropriate pricing for his services. However, as he gained confidence and refined his niche in agricultural grants, opportunities began to flow. He now receives multiple inquiries daily through his optimized LinkedIn profile.

The Power of Niching

Juan's success story highlights the importance of finding and leveraging a niche. By focusing on agricultural grants and clearly communicating this specialization, he attracted clients specifically looking for his expertise. This targeted approach has led to a steady stream of work and long-term client relationships.

Current Projects and Future Goals

Juan now juggles multiple clients and projects, including:

• A UN grant worth $100 million
• Coca-Cola Foundation grant
• Long-term contracts with clients for ongoing fundraising support
• Repurposing grants for existing clients

He aims to maintain about six active clients at a time, typically working on one to two grants per month. As his business grows, Juan is considering hiring an assistant and another grant writer to help manage the workload.

The Value of Grant Writing

Juan emphasizes the immense value that grant writers bring to organizations. He notes that many businesses are unaware of the potential funding they're missing out on without a solid grant writing strategy. This realization has helped him confidently price his services and communicate his worth to clients.

Advice for Aspiring Grant Writers

For those considering a career in grant writing or pursuing any new skill, Juan offers this advice: "Just do it. Don't overthink it. Don't get wrapped up in analysis paralysis." He believes in the power of learning by doing, comparing it to his experience learning Swahili by immersing himself in a village rather than taking formal courses.

Juan encourages new grant writers to push through self-doubt and remember that expertise comes with practice. He emphasizes that the key is to write that first grant, then the second, and so on. With each project, confidence and skills grow.

The Project-Based Approach

One of the aspects Juan appreciates most about grant writing is its project-based nature. He finds this approach more engaging and memorable than traditional learning methods. This perspective has even influenced how he approaches homeschooling his children, focusing on projects that provide a sense of accomplishment and real-world application.

Work-Life Balance and Freedom

Perhaps one of the most significant benefits Juan has found in his grant writing career is the freedom and flexibility it provides. He no longer counts hours or adheres to a strict 9-to-5 schedule. Instead, he focuses on completing projects, allowing him to spend quality time with his family and pursue other interests.

Looking to the Future

As Juan continues to grow his grant writing business, he has set ambitious goals for himself. He aims to surpass the $100,000 mark in the near future, a milestone that would earn him the coveted "unicorn hoodie" – a symbol of success within the Grant Writing Collective community.

Conclusion

Juan's journey from international agriculture to successful grant writer is a testament to the power of saying yes to opportunities, embracing challenges, and continually learning. His story illustrates how specialized skills and experiences can be leveraged to build a rewarding career that offers both financial success and personal fulfillment.

For those considering a career in grant writing, Juan's experience offers valuable insights:

1. Embrace opportunities to learn and gain experience, even if they seem challenging.
2. Don't be afraid to pivot your career based on your unique skills and experiences.
3. Find a supportive community and utilize available resources to overcome challenges.
4. Identify and focus on a niche to attract ideal clients.
5. Recognize and communicate the value you bring to organizations.
6. Embrace a project-based approach to work for greater engagement and satisfaction.
7. Prioritize work-life balance and the freedom to design your ideal lifestyle.

By following these principles and maintaining a growth mindset, aspiring grant writers can build successful careers that align with their personal and professional goals. Juan's story serves as an inspiration for those looking to make a significant impact through their work while enjoying the benefits of a flexible and rewarding career.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbTkeeDMlrw