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Each year millions of dollars in federal grants are distributed across the country. Municipalities
obtain these grants through a process of applications, establishment of need and ability to meet
various guidelines.
The city of Kansas City has no formal process in place to apply for these valuable funds. What grants
we do manage to obtain are applied for on an ad-hoc basis by various city employees. It is not an
efficient use of resources to expect city departments to research and apply for grants. The process
requires some degree of expertise.
Most municipalities acknowledge the value of retaining a full-time grant writer.
Kansas City is at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to obtaining federal dollars through
the grant writing process. We must fund a position to allow us to compete. Securing even one grant
per year would in most cases pay for a full-time grant writer's salary and benefits package. In most
cases a good grant writer will secure their worth many times over.
I envision the Grant Writer position to have the following description and requirements:
The Grant Writer will work with the Council and City Manager to research potential grant opportunities,
develop grant funded programs, apply for and secure state, federal and private grants for City initiated
projects. This person must be able to handle multiple projects, tight time constraints and high volume writing.
Minimum requirements should be a bachelors degree from an accredited college or
university and a minimum of three years of experience in grant writing or grant administration. Any
equivalent combination of education, training, and experience would also be considered.
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