Can Grant Funds Be Used to Pay a Grant Writer?
Can grant funds be used to pay a grant writer after an award comes through? In most cases, the obvious answer is no. It is not allowed, and it raises serious ethical concerns. Funders expect their money to support the project, not past expenses like proposal writing. In addition, the Grant Professionals Association Code of Ethics clearly prohibits commission-based pay tied to a grant award. That means no percentages. No success fees. Also, under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, misusing funds can trigger audits, repayment, or worse. So, while hiring a grant writer is smart, paying them with awarded funds usually is not.
That said, organizations still have solid, compliant ways to cover this cost. Most grant writers charge between $50 and $150 per hour, or they offer a flat project fee. Therefore, planning ahead is key. Many nonprofits build this expense into their general operations or secure separate funding before applying. Here are common ways to pay a grant writer:
- Use unrestricted funds or general operating budgets
- Allocate support from donations or fundraising campaigns
- Apply for capacity-building grants that allow admin expenses
- Pay hourly or per project with a written contract
- Set a monthly retainer for ongoing grant support
GrantWatch makes this process easier by helping grant seekers like you find opportunities with clear funding rules. A simple keyword search on the database takes you to a full list of grants with unrestricted funds. In addition, there is a list of common categories to direct your search for grants. Thumb through the nearly 700 Operational Support Grants listed on the site and you’ll notice that most grants in this category are location specific. This is your cue to select your location to narrow your search.
The grants below are a small sampling of the grants available on GrantWatch. We’ve chosen to present you with three grants that are available nationwide.
1. USA Nonprofit Grants for Culinary Arts Job Training and Education
There is up to $10,000 in funding for nonprofits using culinary training to change lives. This flexible grant supports free job programs for individuals facing barriers to employment. The important part is that the funds can be used however you need, from staff and operations to program growth.
2. USA Grants to Space Industry Start-Up Companies for Immediate Needs
$1,000 is available for space industry start-up companies. The unrestricted funding is for immediate needs to bolster young companies facing cash flow problems as well as those in the pre-seed phase. These grants champion and strengthen space start-ups, and space adjacent enterprises worldwide.
3. USA Undergraduate Awards to Recognize Exceptional Research and Teaching
$75,000 awards to chemical science undergrad faculty at IHEs. This funding recognizes exceptional scholarly research and commitment to teaching. Ito provides an unrestricted research grant to early-career full-time tenure-track professors in chemical sciences, including chemistry, biochemistry, materials chemistry, and chemical engineering.
The Conclusion?
In short, grant funds rarely cover grant writer fees. Smart budgeting and the right tools keep everything above board. Our advice? Explore your options. And remember, GrantWatch is always here to help with expert customer service and a full portfolio of features designed to help you search and even write your grant applications.
Looking for a Grant Writer?
Hiring a grant writer is one of the smartest investments you can make. So, if you’re ready for expert support, GrantWriterTeam connects you with experienced, professional grant writers who understand compliance, strategy, and results. You can post your project, review qualifications, and choose the right match for your needs and budget. Click here for more information.
About GrantWatch
Libby Hikind, author of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, founded GrantWatch.com, the largest ad.vanced grant search engine in the United States. The platform features over 11,000 active, verified, and human-curated grant opportunities in more than 61 funding categories. Additionally, it lists grants for nonprofits, grants for small businesses, grants for government agencies, and grants for Individuals.
GrantWatch also offers innovative funding tools like the AI Grant Writing Tool, AI Grant Searching Tool, and My Grant Calendar, making it easier to find grants, track deadlines, and draft proposals. Members can upgrade to MemberPlus+ for complete grant details, eligibility criteria, and application information. With 21 powerful features, live customer support, and weekly GrantTalk podcast episodes, GrantWatch is the go-to resource for finding grants and turning funding opportunities into awarded grants.
Libby is also the author of several children’s books and companion coloring books, available at libbyhikind.com.
