Grant Writing for Beginners: How to Become a Grant Writer and Work at Home

Grant Writing for Beginners: How to Become a Grant Writer and Work at Home

Author: Time We Discuss March 15, 2026 Duration: 30:09

Want to learn how to write a grant and break into the growing grant zone? In this episode of the Time We Discuss podcast, we explore grant writing for beginners with experienced consultant Jayme Gittings.

If you have ever considered becoming a grant writer, this conversation walks you through what the job is really like. From a true grant writer day in the life to nonprofit strategy behind the scenes, Jayme shares how she built a successful consulting business helping organizations secure millions in nonprofit grants.

You will learn:

  • What it actually takes to write a grant that gets funded
  • How to break into grant writing for beginners with or without a specific degree
  • Whether grant writer certification is worth it
  • The difference between in house and consultant grant writers
  • How grants for nonprofit organizations really work
  • What it looks like to work at home as a full time grant writer
  • How nonprofit strategy impacts long term funding success

Jayme also explains why the grant zone is expanding and why there is real opportunity for professionals who enjoy writing, project management, and community impact.

If you are curious about nonprofit grants, grants for nonprofit organizations, or want to explore becoming a grant writer, this episode is packed with practical insights.

Subscribe for more career deep dives on Time We Discuss where we uncover what jobs are really like from the inside.

=================================================================

Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:40 - Grant writer, day in the life
2:15 - How Jayme became a grant writer
4:41 - Working locally with nonprofits
7:11 - Measuring grant writing success
9:54 - Strategically thinking about grants
12:03 - Education needed for grant writing
14:36 - Importance of learning editing
16:33 - Grant turnaround time
18:56 - In house grant writers vs. out of house grant writers
24:10 - Setting your rate as a grant writer
28:23 - Talent has the floor
29:33 - Outro

=================================================================

Guest Information:

Jayme Gittings

Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:

=================================================================

Time We Discuss Links:

Official Website: Time We Discuss Website
Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
YouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTube
Spotify: Time We Discuss on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple Podcasts
More Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other Platforms
Twitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/X
Bluesky: Time We Discuss on Bluesky
Instagram: Time We Discuss on Instagram
Threads: Time We Discuss on Threads


Figuring out what you want to do for a living is one of life's biggest puzzles, and Time We Discuss tackles it by bringing real voices into the conversation. Instead of abstract advice, each episode sits down with people who are actually doing the jobs you might be curious about. You'll hear the unvarnished details of their daily routines, the challenges they didn't see coming, and the moments that make their work worthwhile. This podcast moves beyond glossy job descriptions to explore the practical realities of different paths, from traditional professions to less conventional roles. Whether you're a student weighing college against direct entry into the workforce, someone considering a complete pivot, or simply fascinated by how other people spend their working hours, these discussions offer grounded insights. The focus is on career discovery through honest storytelling, providing a resource that feels more like a series of candid conversations than a formal guide. By listening, you gather the nuanced, firsthand information needed to make more informed decisions about your own professional journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Time We Discuss | Career Exploration Podcast with Real Professionals and Real Stories
Podcast Episodes
Is Calligraphy a REAL Job? Find Out Now! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:24
Professional calligrapher and wedding invitation designer Alex Zimmerman shares what it is really like to turn beautiful handwriting into a creative career.From designing custom wedding invitations to engraving personali…
Divorce Mediation No Judges Just Real Talk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:07
Thinking about becoming a divorce mediator? What is it really like helping couples navigate separation, conflict, and emotional conversations without going to court?In this episode of Time We Discuss, divorce mediator an…
Fall Is Coming! Start One Of These 5 Businesses Today! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:10
Are you looking to start a business but aren't sure where to begin? This episode of Time We Discuss offers essential business tips and five in-demand service based business ideas that can be ready by fall. Learn how to s…
Done With Teaching? These 5 Jobs Pay BIG! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:12
You went to school to become a teacher, now that's the LAST thing that you want to be. So what do you do now with a specialized degree?Thinking about leaving teaching but not sure what comes next?In this episode of Time…
Thinking of Becoming a DJ? Check This Out This First! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:48
Thinking of becoming a DJ? Before you buy equipment or book your first event, listen to this first.In this episode of Time We Discuss, live event DJ Nick Vecchio breaks down what it is really like working as a DJ behind…
Is Art Therapy the BEST Job for You? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:47
What is it really like working as an art therapist? In this episode of Time We Discuss, Sarah Balascio shares an inside look at the world of art therapy, creative arts therapy, mental health counseling, and helping peopl…
Your Best Career? Physical Therapy Assistant Explored! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:06
Discover what it is really like being a physical therapy assistant in this episode of Time We Discuss featuring John Cooper. From helping amputees regain mobility to working with stroke patients and orthopedic injuries,…
Uncovering Past Lives | The Best Career Choice? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:53
What if your current life is only part of a much bigger story?In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of past life regression and what it is really like to guide people through their spiritual awakening and dee…
Organizing Career: Get PAID to Take Their Stuff! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:52
What does it really take to turn decluttering into a business? And is being a professional organizer as simple as it sounds?In this episode of Time We Discuss, I sit down with Mary Ellen Lundy, founder of An Eco Organize…