Grant Writing Speakers

A grant writing speaker is a subject matter expert who educates, informs, and inspires audiences about the strategies, best practices, and nuances of securing grant funding. These speakers typically have deep experience in writing successful grant proposals, managing funding relationships, and navigating the often complex world of public and private grants.

Unlike a general fundraising speaker, a grant writing speaker focuses specifically on the written application process-how to craft compelling narratives, align with funder priorities, and present data effectively. They may also cover topics like budgeting, compliance, and post-award reporting.

You'll often find grant writing speakers at nonprofit conferences, government training events, university workshops, and online summits. Some specialize in specific sectors-like education, healthcare, or the arts-while others offer broader insights that apply across industries.

What sets them apart is their ability to translate technical grant language into actionable advice. They don't just talk about what to do-they show how to do it, often using real-life examples, templates, and case studies to bring their points to life.

In short, a grant writing speaker is both an educator and a motivator, helping audiences understand not just the 'how' of grant writing, but the 'why' behind each step.

When you're trying to demystify the grant process for a room full of overwhelmed founders or nonprofit leaders, a grant writing speaker can be the difference between confusion and clarity. These speakers bring specialized knowledge that isn't always easy to find in a Google search or a generic workshop.

One key reason they matter is because grants are highly competitive. A single misstep-like failing to align with a funder's mission-can sink an otherwise solid proposal. A skilled speaker helps audiences avoid those pitfalls by sharing proven frameworks and real-world examples.

They also save time. Instead of spending weeks trying to decode federal grant guidelines or foundation priorities, attendees can learn directly from someone who's been there, done that, and succeeded. This is especially valuable for small organizations or solo entrepreneurs who don't have a dedicated grant writer on staff.

In global contexts, grant writing speakers can also bridge cultural and linguistic gaps. For example, a speaker working with NGOs in South Asia might explain how to tailor proposals for Western funders, while someone in the EU might focus on navigating Horizon Europe applications.

Ultimately, these speakers empower people to take action. They don't just share information-they build confidence. And that's what makes them so crucial in any setting where funding is the barrier between a good idea and real-world impact.

Grant writing speakers do more than just talk about grants-they equip audiences with the tools, strategies, and confidence to actually win them. Here's a breakdown of what they typically do:

- Educate on Grant Fundamentals. They explain the basics of grant writing, including how to find opportunities, interpret guidelines, and structure proposals.

- Share Real-World Examples. Many speakers use case studies from nonprofits, schools, or startups to show what successful (and unsuccessful) proposals look like.

- Demonstrate Writing Techniques. From crafting compelling need statements to building logic models, they walk audiences through the writing process step by step.

- Offer Templates and Tools. Some speakers provide downloadable resources like sample budgets, timelines, or evaluation plans to help attendees apply what they've learned.

- Tailor Content to Specific Sectors. A speaker might focus on grants for rural healthcare, STEM education, or international development, depending on the audience.

- Engage Through Interactive Sessions. Great speakers often include Q&A, live editing sessions, or proposal critiques to keep things hands-on and relevant.

- Motivate and Inspire. Beyond the technical skills, they help audiences believe that they can compete for and win funding-even if they've never written a grant before.

So whether they're speaking at a virtual summit, a university workshop, or a local nonprofit meetup, grant writing speakers serve as both guides and catalysts. They turn knowledge into action, one session at a time.

Ready to step onto the stage and share your grant writing expertise? Here's a step-by-step guide to becoming a grant writing speaker who actually gets booked and makes an impact:

1. Master Your Craft
- Before you speak about grant writing, you need to know it inside out. That means writing successful grants, understanding different funding models (government, private, nonprofit), and staying current with trends like equity-based funding or AI-assisted applications.
- Tip: Build a portfolio of funded grants across sectors like education, healthcare, or community development.

2. Define Your Niche and Message
- Are you the go-to expert for nonprofit startups? Or maybe you specialize in federal grants for rural communities? Get specific.
- Develop a signature talk. For example, '5 Grant Writing Mistakes That Cost You Millions' or 'How to Build a Grant Strategy That Scales'.

3. Build Your Speaker Page
- Use platforms like Talks.co to create a professional speaker profile. Include your bio, topics, testimonials, and a short video clip of you speaking.
- Make it easy for event organizers to find and book you. Add a booking form or link to your calendar.

4. Start Small, Then Scale
- Begin with local workshops, webinars, or nonprofit meetups. Record these sessions to build your speaker reel.
- From there, pitch yourself to conferences like the Grant Professionals Association Annual Conference or regional nonprofit summits.

5. Leverage Networks and Hosts
- Connect with podcast hosts, summit organizers, and training platforms. Talks.co is a great place to match with event hosts looking for experts like you.
- Join speaker directories and grant writing associations to increase your visibility.

6. Get Feedback and Optimize
- After each talk, ask for feedback. What resonated? What fell flat? Use that to refine your delivery and content.
- Bonus: Collect testimonials and data (e.g., '95% of attendees said they'd recommend this session') to boost your credibility.

Becoming a grant writing speaker isn't just about having knowledge. It's about packaging that knowledge in a way that educates, inspires, and drives action.

To be a grant writing speaker, you need more than just experience writing grants. You need a combination of expertise, communication skills, and the right tools to position yourself as a credible voice in the space.

Expertise in Grant Writing
At the core, you must have a solid background in writing and managing grants. This includes:
- A track record of successful grant applications.
- Familiarity with different types of funders: federal, state, private foundations, and corporate sponsors.
- An understanding of compliance, reporting, and evaluation metrics.

Presentation and Teaching Skills
Being a speaker means being able to communicate complex ideas simply and effectively. You should be able to:
- Break down grant writing into digestible steps.
- Use real-world examples to illustrate your points.
- Engage audiences through storytelling, visuals, and interactive elements.

Professional Branding
You'll need to present yourself as a professional speaker. That includes:
- A polished speaker page (Talks.co is a great platform for this) with your bio, topics, and a video sample.
- A clear value proposition: what makes your talk different or valuable?
- Testimonials or endorsements from past events or clients.

Networking and Outreach Tools
To get booked, you need to be visible. That means:
- Joining speaker directories and grant writing associations.
- Reaching out to event organizers, podcast hosts, and training platforms.
- Using platforms like Talks.co to connect with hosts looking for experts.

Adaptability and Relevance
Finally, you need to stay current. Grant writing evolves with policy changes, technology, and funding priorities. A great speaker stays ahead of the curve and tailors talks to different audiences: nonprofits, schools, startups, or government agencies.

In short, being a grant writing speaker is about combining deep knowledge with the ability to teach, inspire, and connect. With the right tools and mindset, you can build a speaking career that's both impactful and profitable.

Yes, grant writing speakers do get paid, but how much and how often depends on several factors like experience, audience size, and event type. Let's break it down.
Paid vs. Unpaid Opportunities
- Paid engagements: These typically include keynote addresses, workshops, and corporate training sessions. Rates can range from $500 to $5,000+ depending on the speaker's reputation.
- Unpaid gigs: Some webinars, podcasts, or community events may not offer payment but can be valuable for exposure, especially when you're starting out.
Factors That Influence Payment
- Experience and credibility: A speaker with a track record of successful grants and speaking engagements can command higher fees.
- Event type: National conferences and corporate training events usually pay more than local nonprofit meetups.
- Audience size and budget: A 1,000-person summit likely has a bigger budget than a 20-person workshop.
Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Potential for high fees	Competitive market
Opportunities for consulting upsells	Some events offer exposure only
Travel and networking perks	Inconsistent income if not diversified

Examples
- A speaker at the Nonprofit Technology Conference might earn $1,500 for a 60-minute session.
- A guest expert on a grant writing podcast may not be paid but could land consulting clients afterward.
In short, yes, grant writing speakers get paid, but it's not always guaranteed. The key is to balance paid gigs with strategic unpaid ones that build your brand and lead to future income.

Grant writing speakers generate income through a mix of direct speaking fees and related revenue streams. Here's a breakdown of how they monetize their expertise:

1. Speaking Fees
This is the most obvious source. Speakers charge for:
- Keynotes at conferences.
- Workshops and training sessions.
- Webinars hosted by nonprofits, universities, or government agencies.

2. Consulting and Coaching
Many speakers use their talks as a lead generator for consulting services. After a session, attendees often want one-on-one help with:
- Grant strategy development.
- Reviewing or editing proposals.
- Building internal grant writing capacity.

3. Online Courses and Digital Products
Some grant writing speakers create:
- Self-paced courses on platforms like Teachable or Thinkific.
- Templates, checklists, and toolkits for grant writers.
- E-books or guides like 'The Ultimate Grant Writing Checklist'.

4. Affiliate and Partner Revenue
Speakers sometimes promote tools they use, like grant databases or CRM platforms, and earn affiliate commissions.

5. Sponsored Content and Brand Partnerships
If a speaker has a large following, they might partner with:
- Grant management software companies.
- Nonprofit tech platforms.
- Educational institutions.

6. Hosting Summits or Events
Some speakers flip the script and host their own virtual summits. Using platforms like Zoom, they can:
- Invite other speakers.
- Charge for access.
- Sell replays or VIP packages.

In essence, speaking is just the tip of the iceberg. The most successful grant writing speakers build an ecosystem around their expertise that includes products, services, and partnerships.

The income of grant writing speakers varies widely based on experience, niche, and how diversified their revenue streams are. Let's look at the numbers and what influences them.
Typical Speaking Fees
- Entry-level speakers: $250 to $750 per session, often at local events or webinars.
- Mid-level professionals: $1,000 to $3,000 per talk, especially if they have a strong portfolio and a niche audience.
- Top-tier experts: $5,000 to $10,000+ per keynote, particularly at national conferences or corporate trainings.
Annual Income Estimates

Speaker Type	Estimated Annual Income
Part-time speaker	$5,000 - $20,000
Full-time speaker with consulting	$50,000 - $150,000
Speaker with digital products + courses	$100,000 - $300,000+

Factors That Influence Earnings
- Niche demand: Speakers focused on high-demand sectors like healthcare or education grants may earn more.
- Geographic reach: Those who speak internationally or virtually can scale faster.
- Product ecosystem: Speakers who sell online courses or offer consulting can significantly boost their income.
Example
A speaker who does 2 paid talks per month at $2,000 each, plus earns $3,000/month from online courses and $2,000/month from consulting, could make around $100,000 annually.
Bottom line: Grant writing speakers can earn a modest side income or build a six-figure business, depending on how they structure their offerings and market themselves.

Hiring a grant writing speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the event type, speaker experience, and session format. Here's a closer look at the pricing landscape:
Typical Cost Ranges

Event Type	Cost Range
Local nonprofit workshop	$250 - $750
Virtual webinar or panel	$300 - $1,500
Regional conference session	$1,000 - $3,000
National keynote address	$3,000 - $10,000+
Corporate or government training	$2,500 - $7,500

What Influences the Cost?
- Speaker reputation: A well-known expert with published work or media appearances will charge more.
- Customization: Tailored content or hands-on workshops cost more than standard presentations.
- Travel and logistics: In-person events often require covering travel, lodging, and per diem.
- Length and format: A 90-minute interactive workshop costs more than a 30-minute keynote.
Budget-Friendly Options
- Consider booking emerging speakers through platforms like Talks.co.
- Look for speakers who offer bundled packages (e.g., talk + consulting).
- Some speakers offer discounts for nonprofits or recurring engagements.
Example
A mid-level speaker might charge $1,500 for a 60-minute virtual session plus a Q&A. If travel is involved, expect to add $500 to $1,000 for expenses.
In short, the cost of a grant writing speaker depends on what you need and who you hire. But with the right fit, it's an investment that can pay off in better grant outcomes for your organization.

- Dr. Beverly Browning: Author of 'Grant Writing for Dummies', Dr. Browning has trained over 100,000 professionals. Her workshops are known for being both practical and inspiring.
- Rodney Walker: A dynamic speaker and founder of Grant Central USA, Rodney blends storytelling with strategy. He's a favorite at nonprofit conferences.
- Linda Lysakowski: With decades of experience and multiple books under her belt, Linda is a go-to expert for both beginners and seasoned pros.
- Diane H. Leonard: A GPC-certified grant professional, Diane is known for her engaging workshops and her focus on agile project management in grant writing.
- Barbara Floersch: Former COO of The Grantsmanship Center, Barbara has trained thousands and is respected for her no-nonsense, results-driven approach.
- Kimberly Richardson: Founder of Kimberly Richardson Consulting, she's known for her DEI-focused approach to grant writing and her engaging speaking style.
- David G. Bauer: A pioneer in the field, Bauer has authored multiple books and trained grant seekers across the globe.
- Tori O'Neal-McElrath: Author of 'Winning Grants Step by Step', Tori brings clarity and structure to her talks, making her a favorite among educators and nonprofits.
- Susan Chandler: Known for her work in rural and tribal communities, Susan's talks are grounded in real-world challenges and solutions.
- Michael Wells: A lesser-known but highly respected speaker in the academic and research grant space.

These speakers have shaped the field with their insights, training, and passion for helping others secure funding. They've spoken at major conferences, led national training programs, and authored foundational texts in the grant writing world.

- Dr. Beverly Browning (USA): A global authority on grant writing, Dr. Browning has spoken in Canada, the UK, and across the U.S. Her international reach and bestselling books make her a top-tier speaker.
- Rodney Walker (USA): Known for his energetic delivery and practical strategies, Rodney has trained audiences across North America and is expanding into global virtual summits.
- Linda Lysakowski (USA): With clients and speaking engagements in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, Linda brings a global perspective to fundraising and grant writing.
- Diane H. Leonard (USA): Diane's work with international nonprofits and her focus on agile grant writing have made her a sought-after speaker worldwide.
- Kimberly Richardson (USA): Her DEI-focused grant writing talks have resonated with audiences in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean.
- Paul Ticher (UK): While more focused on data protection and nonprofit compliance, Paul often speaks on grant writing in the EU context, especially for NGOs.
- Anne Stafford (Australia): A recognized trainer in the Asia-Pacific region, Anne focuses on community-based grant strategies and has spoken at events in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.
- Nadine Smith (South Africa): Known for her work in social justice and grant funding for African NGOs, Nadine is a rising voice in the global grant writing community.
- Carlos Garcia (Mexico): A bilingual speaker who bridges U.S. and Latin American grant systems, Carlos is a favorite at cross-border nonprofit conferences.
- Sophie Tremblay (Canada): Specializing in bilingual grant writing (English/French), Sophie speaks at Canadian and European nonprofit events.

These speakers bring diverse experiences and cultural insights to the stage, making them valuable voices in the global grant writing conversation.

Let's talk about some of the biggest misconceptions floating around about grant writing speakers. These myths can hold people back from stepping into the spotlight or even recognizing the value of this niche expertise.

- Myth 1: Grant writing speakers are just grant writers who talk.
This one comes up a lot. Sure, many grant writing speakers have a background in writing proposals, but speaking is a whole different skill set. These professionals aren't just sharing how to fill out forms. They're teaching strategy, funding alignment, storytelling for impact, and how to build sustainable funding pipelines. Think of someone like Dr. Beverly Browning, who doesn't just write grants-she trains and speaks globally on how to build grant-ready organizations.

- Myth 2: There's no real demand for grant writing speakers.
Actually, the opposite is true. Nonprofits, educational institutions, local governments, and even startups are hungry for funding knowledge. Conferences like the Grant Professionals Association Annual Conference or regional nonprofit summits often feature grant writing speakers as headline educators. The demand is especially high in underserved regions where access to funding education is limited.

- Myth 3: You need to have won millions in grants to be credible.
While experience helps, credibility also comes from clarity, teaching ability, and insight. Some of the most effective speakers are those who specialize in helping others win smaller, strategic grants or who focus on specific sectors like healthcare, education, or the arts. It's not about the size of the grant-it's about the value of the knowledge shared.

- Myth 4: Grant writing is too boring for the stage.
If you've ever seen a dynamic speaker break down how a $10,000 grant transformed a rural library or helped a community launch a food co-op, you know this isn't true. The best grant writing speakers turn data into stories, compliance into empowerment, and paperwork into purpose. They're not just informative-they're inspiring.

- Myth 5: Only academics or consultants can be grant writing speakers.
Not at all. We're seeing community leaders, nonprofit founders, and even former funders step into speaking roles. What matters is perspective and the ability to communicate it. Some of the most impactful speakers are those who've been on both sides of the funding table and can share what works-and what doesn't.

In 2017, a small nonprofit consultant from Atlanta named Kimberly H. Jones took the stage at a regional nonprofit summit. She wasn't a household name, but her session on 'Grant Readiness for Grassroots Organizations' packed the room. What made her stand out? She didn't just talk about writing grants-she walked attendees through how to build funder relationships, align mission with money, and avoid common pitfalls. Within a year, she was invited to speak at national events and launched her own online course series.

Then there's Mark Whitaker, a former public school administrator from Oregon. After securing over $3 million in education grants over a decade, he shifted gears. He began speaking at education conferences, focusing on how schools in rural areas could tap into federal and state funding. His talks blended policy insight with practical tools, and soon he was consulting with school districts across the Pacific Northwest. His sessions became known for their clarity and humor-two things not often associated with grant compliance.

In Australia, Meera Patel, a social enterprise strategist, carved out a niche by speaking on grant writing for impact-driven startups. She combined her background in social innovation with funding strategy, helping early-stage founders understand how to align their pitch decks with grant criteria. Her TEDx talk on 'Funding with Purpose' gained traction, and she now runs a hybrid accelerator that includes grant coaching as a core module.

These stories reflect a broader truth: successful grant writing speakers aren't just experts in funding. They're educators, storytellers, and bridge-builders. They know how to translate complex funding systems into actionable strategies-and they meet their audiences where they are, whether that's in a conference hall, a Zoom room, or a rural town hall.

What unites them isn't a specific credential or background. It's their ability to connect, clarify, and catalyze action. That's what makes a grant writing speaker successful-not just the grants they've written, but the people they've empowered.

The landscape for grant writing speakers is shifting in some fascinating ways. As funding ecosystems become more complex and digital-first, the role of speakers in this space is expanding beyond traditional workshops and into new formats, audiences, and technologies.

One major trend: hybrid and on-demand speaking formats. Conferences are no longer the only stage. Grant writing speakers are increasingly creating evergreen webinars, online academies, and even TikTok explainers. Platforms like Teachable and Thinkific are seeing a rise in grant-focused educators packaging their knowledge into scalable products.

Another shift: intersectional expertise is in demand. It's not just about knowing how to write a grant. Speakers who can connect funding strategy with DEI principles, climate resilience, or tech innovation are getting booked more often. For example, speakers who can talk about grant writing for Indigenous-led initiatives or digital equity projects are seeing increased visibility.

We're also seeing a rise in AI-assisted grant education. Tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly are being used to teach faster drafting and editing techniques. Some speakers are incorporating live AI demos into their sessions to show how to brainstorm proposals or analyze funder language. This isn't about replacing human strategy-it's about speeding up the grunt work.

Here are a few key trends to watch:

- Micro-niche speaking: Speakers focusing on very specific sectors (e.g. arts funding in Latin America, STEM grants for girls in rural areas) are carving out loyal audiences.
- Globalization of content: With virtual events, speakers from Kenya, India, or Canada are now reaching U.S. audiences and vice versa. This cross-pollination is raising the bar.
- Funders as speakers: More grantmakers are stepping into speaking roles to demystify their processes. This transparency is changing how speakers frame their advice.
- Community-led speaking: Peer-to-peer education is gaining traction. Speakers are facilitating panels or co-led sessions with grantees to showcase real-world application.

The bottom line? Grant writing speakers who stay agile, tech-savvy, and audience-aware will be the ones shaping the future of funding education.

- Talks.co. This platform connects speakers with podcast hosts and virtual event organizers. If you're looking to build your visibility as a grant writing speaker, this is a great place to start. Tip: Use niche tags like 'nonprofit funding' or 'social impact' to get matched with aligned shows.

- GrantStation. While it's primarily a funding database, GrantStation also offers webinars and training sessions. Aspiring speakers can study these formats to understand what resonates with audiences-or even pitch to lead one.

- Slidebean. Crafting a compelling deck is half the battle. Slidebean helps you design presentations that look professional without needing a graphic designer. Tip: Use their pitch deck templates and adapt them for grant training topics.

- Zoom Events. If you're running your own virtual workshops or summits, Zoom Events gives you more control over registration, branding, and analytics. Great for building your own audience base.

- LinkedIn Learning. Not just for learners-this platform also accepts expert instructors. If you've got a unique angle on grant writing, consider applying as a course creator. Bonus: It boosts your credibility as a speaker.

- Canva. For social media promos, workshop handouts, or even eBooks, Canva is your go-to. Use their templates to create branded speaker kits or one-pagers for event organizers.

- Airmeet. If you're hosting or co-hosting virtual summits, Airmeet offers interactive features like speed networking and virtual booths. It's a solid option for speakers who want to build community around their sessions.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your speaking career, these tools can help you streamline your outreach, polish your delivery, and grow your audience. Combine them with a clear message and a strong niche, and you're on your way to becoming a standout grant writing speaker.