How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Grant Writer? GrantNews
Retainer agreements involve a recurring fee (usually monthly) for a defined set of ongoing services or a block of hours. This model fosters a longer-term partnership and provides predictable revenue for your business. Editing/Technical AssistanceComplete editing of client prepared proposals, as well as technical assistance, is available on an hourly basis. The hourly rate is $300 per hour, with a 15-hour minimum payable in advance. Flat-Fee AssignmentsFor flat-fee assignments with a fee of $6,000 or less, full payment in advance is required. For flat-fee assignments with a fee greater than $6,000, a 50% deposit is required to start work, with the other half due prior to release of the final work product.
Some clients who come to us have identified donors already willing to support their organization but request that a professionally prepared proposal be supplied for board review. Organizations should check typical rates in their area when planning their budget. They might also think about remote work options that could offer better pricing while maintaining quality. If one or more work packages in your project are suitable for a university to deliver then you should liaise with your academic partner who will be able to help. If you are seeking an academic partner for your project we can also help you. Please note that some innovation funding opportunities may not be suitable for academic partners or their budget allocation my be capped.
Flat Fee:
Most new or start up nonprofits do not have the financial capacity to hire a full-time grant writer for the organization. In fact, most new nonprofits that are just getting started may struggle to simply find the funding to cover basic costs. You may also want to consider whether a beginner grant writer is appropriate for the project you are working on. If you need specific expertise for a complex proposal, you may be better off hiring someone with more experience. Most beginner grant writers who take on projects as a contractor receive a salary range between $29 at the low end and $36 at the high end, according to trends reported by Salary.com. Some funders also require regular updates or final reports after the grant is awarded.
What factors influence grant writing fees?
GrantWatch is a secure search and listing directory of currently available grants accepting grant applications.We only charge a small subscription fee to use our service. GrantWatch does not give grants.Never pay an imposter who asks you to pre-pay money for a guaranteed grant or money-back for a grant or check.Copyright © 2025 Grantwatch/GrantNews. Grant writers also set their own fees and usually start at about $40 an hour. However, the total overall average cost for a grant proposal of 5 to 8 pages of narrative text is about $1,500. Of course, this can be higher or lower depending on the work needed. This can be attractive to clients who prefer to know the total cost upfront.
Show you how to get paid freelance grant writing on your very first project. Would it be better for me to start as a Grant Coordinator and work my way up to Grant Writer? I plan to take the certification course through Grant Professionals Certification Institute. A successful nonprofit grant application must make a strong case for support. A winning nonprofit backs up its plans with effective and powerful data to present your organization as a grant writing fees professional, efficient, and responsible steward of funds.
Flat-fee pricing can range from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on the grant type, deadline, and the writer’s experience. A small grant with simple guidelines may cost closer to $2,000, while a large federal or multi-partner grant could cost over $10,000. You can use more services during busy grant seasons and less when things slow down. This works great for smaller nonprofits that can’t afford a full-time position but still need professional help with grant writing. The type and complexity of a grant play a crucial role in determining the cost.
Is it common to charge a percentage of the grant as a fee?
Just head over to our full guide to starting a freelance grant writing business. This can be useful when you are new to grant writing, as you may not be sure how long it will take you to write a particular grant or complete a scope of work. However, your clients will still want an estimated time of how many hours it will take you to finish the agreed-upon project. In the context of grant writing, this value is tied to the impact of securing funding – enabling programs, serving more people, building capacity, etc. Retainer AgreementsUnder a retainer arrangement, a monthly retainer amount is set, usually in the $4,000 – $6,000 range.
Pros and cons of hiring in-house
- Knowing your grant writer has a strong network of support can help in your decision to hire them!
- If you are successful, you will then be required to complete some additional tasks to evidence your financial position to show that you can deliver the project.
- However, for more complex proposals that involve extensive research, data analysis, and strategic planning, a higher fee ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 or more may be warranted.
- With AI-powered grant writing assistance, you can create customized, compelling applications more efficiently, allowing you to focus more time on your mission and less on administrative tasks.
- This is a great resource for nonprofits who are just starting out and looking to build a network of trusted grant professionals.
You will be able to set the required budget for the tasks required and the job description for your soon-to-be grant writers. Open talent platforms put you in touch with various freelance grant writers, making this whole process very cost-effective and reliable. Such platforms provide immense transparency as well and gives you the freedom to hire anyone from any corner of the world to meet your budget constraints and specific requirements.
This takes more time and work, and the fee will be on the higher end. The fees listed below are for a standard 4-6 week lead time for grant writing and application. If you only look at the fees in isolation, you will be tempted to go with the lowest bidder. Winning 15 grants at $100,000 carries more weight than 25 grants at $10,000. The best cases for support provide a concrete background built on a combination of purpose and statistics. Balance your emotional appeal with quantitative plans and data, highlighting the engagement methods that have brought your nonprofit success in the past.
Free Guide: How to Find Great Grants
Grant writing costs vary, typically ranging from $25 to $250 per hour, depending on the writer’s experience and project complexity. Beginners might charge $20-$35 per hour, while experts can command $75-$200 per hour. For project-based pricing, expect to pay between $2,500 and $10,000. Investing in these services can greatly boost your chances of securing funding. Discover more details about what influences these costs and how to find the right writer. Seasoned grant writers who have a proven track record of success may command higher fees ranging from $75 to $150 per hour due to their specialized knowledge and skills.
The 2022 Grant Professionals Association Salary Survey shows grant professionals earn $78,569 on average each year. Organizations that try to save money often hire less qualified people, which can lead to weaker proposals. The Grant Professionals Association’s 2022 Salary Survey reveals a higher average of $78,569 per year. The total cost reaches about $98,211 after adding fringe benefits, which are usually 25%.
- They may not identify themselves as a grant writer or development person, but they certainly have experience that says otherwise.
- By working with me directly, you will pay less than what you would pay a grant writing agency, as I have lower overhead costs, and this gets passed down to you.
- The retainer is due at the start of each month and there is a three month minimum.
- They know how to find funders, how to research, and what documentation is needed.
Monthly fees for ongoing grant support usually range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many hours are included and how complex the projects are. These packages often cover writing new proposals, tracking deadlines, editing, and keeping up with funder updates. A grant writing agency typically charges 2% of the allowable funding amount (the maximum or ceiling award amount allowed by the funder). For example, if a federal grant has a ceiling award amount of $ 800,000 per year, a grant writing agency may charge $16,000. Many of these grant writing agencies contract with independent grant writers (freelancers) and pay them 1% ($8,000) or less of the fees earned from their clients. However, hourly rate is only one part of it, as the total cost of grant writing is decided by the grant writer’s fee structure.
