Hiring a grant writer is an investment in your organization’s future. If you want to learn more about our services as experienced grant writers, contact us to discuss your project needs and goals.
Hiring a grant writer can significantly impact your chances of securing the funding you need, but understanding the costs involved is essential. Let’s break down the factors that influence grant writer fees and what you should expect when budgeting for their services.
Paying for a Grant Writer: What You Need to Know
It’s important to remember that grant writers must be paid upfront—grant funds cannot be used retroactively to cover their fees. This means you’ll need to budget for a grant writer before submitting your proposal.
The cost of hiring a grant writer depends on several factors, including the type of grant you’re applying for and the writer’s experience. Experienced grant writers bring valuable knowledge, such as understanding what documentation is needed to strengthen your application. This expertise can increase the likelihood of a successful submission.
What Does a Grant Writer Cost?
Grant writers typically set their own rates, with hourly fees starting at around $40. The total cost for a proposal can range from $500 for a basic project to an average of $1,500 for a standard grant proposal of 5–8 pages. Larger or more complex grants, like federal proposals, can cost much more due to the extensive work involved.
Here’s a general breakdown of hourly rates (from GrantWatch and Funding for Good):
- Beginner Grant Writers: $20–$35/hour (fewer than 3 grants won)
- Intermediate Grant Writers: $40–$75/hour (3–10 grants won)
- Advanced/Expert Grant Writers: $75–$200+/hour (10+ grants won or 10+ years of experience)
For example, if a grant writer charges $50/hour and a proposal takes 10 hours to complete, the total cost would be $500.
Estimating Time and Services
The time required to write a grant varies based on the type and complexity of the proposal.
- Foundation grants: Typically 20–40 hours for a 5-page proposal.
- Federal grants: Can take 60+ hours due to additional planning and documentation requirements.
In addition to writing, grant writers may provide other services like consulting, funding research, and budget preparation. Be sure to request an upfront estimate in writing to avoid surprises later.
What’s a Fair Fee?
A good rule of thumb is that the grant writer’s fee should not exceed 5% of the grant amount. For instance, a $100,000 grant should have a maximum fee of $5,000. Typically, fees fall between 2–3% of the total grant award.
It’s also critical to avoid commission-based fees. Paying a grant writer a percentage of the award is unethical and can violate funding guidelines, potentially costing you the grant—or worse, leading to legal consequences.
Ready to Hire a Grant Writer?
Hiring a grant writer is an investment in your organization’s future. If you want to learn more about our services as experienced grant writers, contact us today to discuss your project needs and goals.