National Grant Writers Association
Founding Fellow Designation – Inaugural Class
The National Grant Writers Association is forming its inaugural class of Founding Fellows — a selective body of experienced grant writers, consultants, and institutional funding professionals committed to elevating standards and strengthening the grant profession nationwide.
Only one Founding Fellow designation per major metropolitan region will be appointed during this founding cycle.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Founding Class.
👉🏾 Apply for Founding Fellow StatusWHY THIS ASSOCIATION EXISTS
Billions of dollars in public and institutional funding flow through grant programs each year. Behind those awards are skilled professionals — strategists, writers, consultants, and advisors — who design, develop, and guide successful funding initiatives.
Yet despite the impact of this work, the grant profession lacks:
🔹 A unified national voice
🔹A recognized leadership designation
🔹 A formal body committed to professional elevation
🔹 A visible standard of excellence
The National Grant Writers Association was established to change that.
Our mission is to elevate the credibility, visibility, and professional standards of grant writing and institutional funding practice across the United States.
The Founding Fellows represent the first leadership class of this national effort.
WHAT IS A FOUNDING FELLOW?
A Founding Fellow is not simply a member.
A Founding Fellow is a regional representative, industry contributor, and recognized leader within the grant profession.
This designation is reserved for experienced professionals who demonstrate:
🔹 A proven track record in grant writing or funding strategy
🔹 Professional integrity and ethical standards
🔹 Meaningful experience serving nonprofits, institutions, or public entities
🔹 A commitment to advancing the field
Each major metro region will have only one appointed Founding Fellow during this inaugural class.
Once a region is assigned, it will not reopen during the Founding cycle.
FOUNDING FELLOW BENEFITS
Founding Fellows receive:
National Recognition & Designation
🔹 Official “Founding Fellow – National Grant Writers Association” title
🔹 Digital credential badge
🔹 Listing on the Founding Fellows registry page
🔹 Permanent recognition as part of the inaugural class
Regional Visibility
🔹 Exclusive city-level representation during Founding term
🔹 Featured placement on iGrantWriters.com
🔹 Priority positioning within regional search categories
Professional Authority Building
🔹 Featured interview spotlight
🔹 Inclusion in the Annual Member Publication
🔹 Invitation to contribute to the Association’s annual industry report
🔹 Eligibility for media commentary opportunities
Leadership & Influence
🔹 Quarterly Founding Fellows Roundtable participation
🔹 Advisory discussions shaping association initiatives
🔹 Early input on certification standards and professional guidelines
Referral Consideration
🔹 Priority consideration for referral routing opportunities generated through the Association network
FOUNDING FELLOW RESPONSIBILITIES
Founding Fellow status includes light leadership participation designed to elevate the profession:
🔹 Attend quarterly virtual Founding Fellows Roundtable (90 minutes)
🔹 Contribute one annual visibility asset (interview, article, or panel participation)
🔹 Uphold the Association’s professional ethics standards
This is not a time-intensive obligation. It is a leadership designation with meaningful but manageable engagement.
FOUNDING CLASS INVESTMENT
📌Standard Founding Fellow Annual Dues: $2,500
📌Inaugural Founding Class Rate: $1,750
📌This founding rate is available only during the initial appointment cycle.
Once a metro designation is filled, the Founding Fellow position for that region will close.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Founding Fellow designation is application-based.
Step 1 – Submit Online Application
Step 2 – Credential & Experience Review
Step 3 – Appointment & Acceptance
Applicants may be contacted for clarification or brief discussion prior to appointment.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until metro positions are filled.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
We invite applications from experienced professionals engaged in:
• Grant writing
• Grant consulting
• Institutional funding advisory
• Public funding strategy
• Proposal development leadership
• Nonprofit funding consulting
This designation is best suited for professionals with multiple years of active experience and demonstrable funding engagement.
A FOUNDING MOMENT
The inaugural class will shape the direction, standards, and credibility of the National Grant Writers Association for years to come.
Founding Fellows will hold permanent recognition as part of the Association’s formation.
We are currently accepting applications for select metropolitan regions.