Is Hiring a Grant Writer a Smart Investment?

Are you and your organization considering hiring a grant writer? Lots of nonprofits and small businesses use professional grant writers to crafts proposals for the grant funding they need. It’s only logical that one of the first questions you’ll ask is: How much does it cost? Grant writing can be complex, but the right grants can transform your nonprofit or business. so, the answer to whether or not the cost is worthwhile: It’s a resounding YES! A skilled grant writer improves your chances of success, making the investment worthwhile.

GrantWatch is a leading grant database that matches grant opportunities with nonprofits, small businesses, and even some individuals. While we primarily stay on topic with articles based on grants, we also have the details you need on finding and pricing seasoned grant writers. Costs vary based on experience, the type of grant, and the work required. Before moving forward, it’s important to understand these factors and budget accordingly.

Hiring a Grant Writer

The cost of hiring a grant writer depends upon several factors. First, you have to decide what type of grant to apply for. To do that, you need to clearly define why your organization needs funding. Are you an entrepreneur with a startup who needs capital? Or perhaps, your nonprofit needs to improve your facility? A host of Nonprofits, Businesses, and Individuals are eligible to apply for grant funding but lack to resources to write the application. This is where your grant writer comes in. A grant writer’s knowledge and experience play a huge role in helping you accomplish your goal. Veteran grant writers know the process. They know how to find funders, how to research, and what documentation is needed. This will help assure proper consideration when you submit your grant for funding.

Average Rates for a Grant Writer

Grant writers set their own fees and usually start at about $40 an hour. The minimum cost comes out to around $500 in total. 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.

Beginner Grant Writers:

• Grant writers who have won fewer than 3 grants: roughly $20 – $35 per hour.

Intermediate Grant Writers:

• Grant writers who have recently won 4 – 5 grants: roughly $40 – $50 per hour.
• Grant writers who have recently won 6 – 8 grants: roughly $60 per hour.
• Grant writers who have recently won 8 – 10 grants: roughly $75 per hour.

Advanced Grant Writers:

• Grant writers who have won 10+ grants: from $75 up to $125 per hour.
• Expert grant writers with 10+ years experience of winning a substantial number of grants: up to $200 per hour.

Remember, there is no guarantee that you’ll win a grant, regardless of the amount of experience a grant writer has and no matter how well the proposal may be written. Furthermore, it is important to note that these prices are guidelines only.

Each grant writer sets their own rates. Rates can vary depending on a variety of factors, especially with regard to the type of work required. Whenever you hire a grant writer, it’s important to have the overall cost quoted upfront – in writing – to avoid surprises later.

How Much Time Does a Grant Writer Need?

Grant writers do more than write grants. They can be hired for a wide range of other services including, but not limited to::

• Consulting for businesses, foundations, corporations and government agencies.
• Locating contract and funding opportunities.
• Securing funds for projects, programs or services.
• Developing curricula, mission statements and needs statements.
• Writing LOIs and budget proposals.

Since grant writers work on an hourly rate, you will probably want to know in advance how many hours will be needed. Unfortunately, the cost of writing a grant can vary drastically and so can the required amount of writing. You need to contact a grant writer directly to obtain an accurate quote.

Often, estimates of the time it takes to prepare a grant proposal are difficult to assess. A reasonable amount of time to write a grant is between 20 to 60 hours. However, this does not include planning, legwork, and additional documentation needed. It is best to start early when submitting any grant proposal.

How Much is Too Much?

When grant writers set their flat rate, the budgeted amount of that fee should not be more than 5% of the grant award. Fees are not commission-based; it’s just good business sense, for both the organization and the grant writer. For example, if a client is looking to apply for a grant of $100,000, an experienced grant writer’s fee should not exceed $5,000. Typically, as a rule of thumb, grant writer fees are usually 2-3% of the total grant award.

If you win the grant, you can not use the money to pay the grant writer. Grant writers should not work on a contingency basis or a ‘success fee.’ Not only is this unethical, but it also violates state, federal, and foundation funding guidelines. If a funder discovers the grant writer was paid a percentage of the grant award, at the very least you’ll likely lose the grant. At worst, there could be legal consequences as well.

GrantWriterTeam

If you are a nonprofit or small business in need of grant funding, hiring a grant writer is always a wise investment. Writing a grant application and all of the legwork involved with the entire process can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed. GrantWriterTeam can connect you with experienced grant writers who have your organization’s best interests at heart. In short, you’ll find grant writers with successful grants in their resumes who have the dedication and work ethic to get the job done. Visit the site today!

About GrantWatch

With over 9,000 grants currently available, GrantWatch.com is the leading grant listing directory. Upgrade to a MemberPlus+ subscription to view the full grant details, including eligibility criteria and application information. For more information, you can also visit the GrantWatch FAQ page. Click here to see the great value of all 20 of the top GrantWatch features. Watch the latest episode of GrantTalk, powered by GrantWatch, with host Libby Hikind. You don’t want to miss this. Visit us on YouTube weekly. Get your copy of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, by Libby Hikind.