Embarking on your job hunt as a grant writer, you've hit a common snag: the daunting task of crafting a compelling cover letter. It's not just a formality, nor a repeat of your resume. Instead, your cover letter should spotlight your proudest professional moment, narrating the achievement that resonates most. Striking a balance between formality and originality—escaping worn-out clichés—your cover letter must leave a memorable impression, all within the confines of a single, succinct page. Let's dive in.
- Some inspiration from other professionals' job-winning cover letters;
- The best structure and format for your grant writer cover letter;
- Insights on how to write about your best achievement to stand out;
- A creative twist on your grant writer cover letter intro.
Upload your grant writer resume to Enhancv's AI, which will quickly scan and prepare a job-winning cover letter for you.
If the grant writer isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
Grant writer cover letter example
Alexander Taylor
Los Angeles, California
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Highlighting significant achievements, such as successful fundraising campaigns, directly showcases the candidate's ability to deliver results pertinent to the role of a grant writer.
- Demonstrating alignment with the organization's mission and goals, as seen in the candidate's expression of shared values, helps establish a cultural fit which is crucial in roles that demand a high level of personal investment and passion.
- Explicitly mentioning relevant skills, such as strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, targets the job description and demonstrates a clear understanding of the duties associated with the position.
- Offering the flexibility to schedule an interview emphasizes the candidate's eagerness and availability, making it easy for the hiring manager to take the next step.
The visual appeal of your grant writer cover letter: format, font, and structure
When using our cover letter builder, make sure to include these vital sections:
- Header (with your name, contact details, the role, and date);
- Greeting (that's personalized to the recruiter);
- Introductory paragraph (to capture attention);
- Body paragraph (to tell a story of how you've obtained your job-crucial skills);
- Closing paragraph (ending with a nod to the future ahead);
- Signature (that is not a must).
Our cover letter templates are already set up for you with the best grant writer cover letter design with single-spaced paragraphs and a one-inch margin.
As for the font of your grant writer cover letter, use the same one as you did in your resume (where modern and simple fonts, like Rubik and Bitter, take precedence over Arial and Times New Roman).
Your grant writer cover letter is created with the recruiters in mind - as no Applicant Tracker System looks over this part of your profile.
When sending over your grant writer cover letter, download it in PDF. This format allows your information and design to stay intact and to keep the same visual quality.
The top sections on a grant writer cover letter
- Header: This section includes your contact information and the date, ensuring the recruiter knows who you are and how to reach you.
- Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name if possible, as it shows that you have tailored the cover letter specifically for the organization and have done your research.
- Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself, mention the specific grant writer position you're applying for, and include a compelling reason why you're interested in this role at this particular organization.
- Body: Highlight your experience with grant writing, your understanding of the grant application process, and specific successful grants you have secured, showcasing your ability to write persuasively and effectively for funding.
- Closing: End with a strong statement of intent to further discuss how you can contribute to the organization's fundraising goals, and a thank you to the hiring manager for considering your application, establishing your professionalism and enthusiasm.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Proven track record in securing grants: Demonstrates the ability to identify funding opportunities and successfully secure financial support.
- Exceptional writing skills: Enables the creation of persuasive and clear grant proposals that effectively communicate the organization's mission and needs.
- Research abilities: Shows competence in conducting thorough research to find grant opportunities and understand the requirements and priorities of funding sources.
- Attention to detail: Ensures accuracy in grant applications, adherence to guidelines, and deadlines are met without issues.
- Knowledge of the specific sector or focus area: Indicates understanding of the field's context, technical language, and particular needs, making proposals more relevant and targeted.
- Relationship-building skills: Facilitates networking with potential funders, collaboration with project teams, and the development of partnerships that are essential for long-term funding success.
How to address hiring managers in your grant writer cover letter greeting
Goodbye, "Dear Sir/Madam" or "To whom it may concern!"
The salutation of your grant writer cover letter is how you kick off your professional communication with the hiring managers.
And you want it to start off a bit more personalized and tailored, to catch the recruiters' attention.
Take the time to find out who's recruiting for the role (via LinkedIn or the company page).
If you have previously chatted or emailed the hiring managers, address them on a first or last name basis.
The alternative is a "Dear HR team" or "Dear Hiring Manger", but remember that a "Dear Ms. Simmons" or "Dear Simon," could get you farther ahead than an impersonal greeting.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Specific Name or Title],
- Dear Members of the [Department or Committee],
- Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr.] [Last Name],
- Dear [Full Name],
- Dear Search Committee,
Introducing your profile to catch recruiters' attention in no more than two sentences
The introduction of your grant writer cover letter is a whole Catch 22 .
You have an allocated space of no more than just a paragraph (of up to two sentences). With your introduction, you have to stand out and show why you're the best candidate out there.
Set out on a journey with your grant writer cover letter by focusing on why you're passionate about the job. Match your personal skills and interests to the role.
Another option for your grant writer cover letter introduction is to show you're the ideal candidate. Write about how your achievements and skills are precisely what the company is looking for.
However you decide to start your grant writer cover letter, always remember to write about the value you'd bring about. Making it both tangible (with your metrics of success) and highly sought out.
What to write in the middle or body of your grant writer cover letter
Here's where it gets tricky.
Your grant writer cover letter body should present you in the best light possible and, at the same time, differ from your resume.
Don't be stuck in making up new things or copy-pasting from your resume. Instead, select just one achievement from your experience.
Use it to succinctly tell a story of the job-crucial skills and knowledge this taught you.
Your grant writer cover letter is the magic card you need to further show how any organization or team would benefit from working with you.
Final words: writing your grant writer cover letter closing paragraph
The final paragraph of your grant writer cover letter allows you that one final chance to make a great first impression.
Instead of going straight to the "sincerely yours" ending, you can back up your skills with a promise of:
- how you see yourself growing into the role;
- the unique skills you'd bring to the organization.
Whatever you choose, always be specific (and remember to uphold your promise, once you land the role).
If this option doesn't seem that appealing to you, close off your grant writer cover letter with a follow-up request.
You could even provide your availability for interviews so that the recruiters would be able to easily arrange your first meeting.
Addressing limited to no experience in the grant writer cover letter
There's nothing to worry about if you lack professional experience.
Your grant writer cover letter could bridge the gaps in your professional history by focusing on what matters most to recruiters, that's either:
- skills - focusing on transferable ones you've gained, thanks to your life experience (e.g. volunteering, certificates, etc.);
- achievements - select the most relevant and noteworthy one from your history (e.g. education, projects, etc.);
- motivation - describe how you envision your professional growth in the next up to five years, thanks to this opportunity.
Key takeaways
Writing your grant writer cover letter doesn't need to turn into an endless quest, but instead:
- Create an individual grant writer cover letter for each role you apply to, based on job criteria (use our builder to transform your resume into a cover letter, which you could edit to match the job);
- Stick with the same font you've used in your resume (e.g. Raleway) and ensure your grant writer cover letter is single-spaced and has a one-inch margin all around;
- Introduce your enthusiasm for the role or the company at the beginning of your grant writer cover letter to make a good first impression;
- Align what matters most to the company by selecting just one achievement from your experience, that has taught you valuable skills and knowledge for the job;
- End your grant writer cover letter like any good story - with a promise for greatness or follow-up for an interview.
