Grant Writers Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Grant Writer?

Some grant writers charge by the hour, while others charge a flat fee for each project. Prices can be very different depending on the writer’s experience, the size of the proposal, and how much research is needed. 

Cost also matters because you want to make sure you get good value for your money. A proposal that is well written can bring in thousands of dollars in funding, so paying for a skilled writer can be a smart investment. Other things that affect the price include deadlines, the type of organization, and whether the work is done remotely or in-house. Understanding these cost factors helps you make better choices. It also helps avoid surprises and keeps your funding plan on track.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Grant Writer?

The cost to hire a grant writer can vary depending on the type of project and who you choose to work with. On average, most grant writers charge between $30 to $150 per hour, or a flat fee of $2,000 to $10,000 per proposal. The price depends on the writer’s experience, the size of the grant, and how much work is needed. For nonprofit grants, prices are usually on the lower end, especially for small or local projects. 

Government and education grants often cost more because they are longer, have more rules, and take more time to complete. Freelance grant writers are usually less expensive and may offer flexible rates. Agency grant writers, on the other hand, often charge higher fees because they include full support, extra staff, and editing. Both options have pros and cons. Choosing the right one depends on your budget, your deadlines, and the type of grant you want to apply for. Understanding the cost helps you plan better and pick a service that fits your needs.

Grant Writer Hourly Rates

Grant writer hourly rates can differ based on experience and the kind of work needed. New grant writers usually charge between $30 to $60 per hour, while experienced writers may ask for $75 to $150 per hour. The more years they have, the higher the rate. The price also depends on the project. If the grant is long, has many rules, or needs deep research, the writer may charge more per hour. Simple projects with clear goals may cost less. 

Some clients prefer flat fees because they know the total cost upfront. Others choose hourly rates if the work is short or open-ended. Whether hourly or flat fee is better depends on your budget and the scope of work. Knowing the average rates helps you make a smart choice and avoid overpaying.

Freelance Grant Writers Rates

Freelance grant writers offer flexible services and often have different rates based on their skills and the project size. Most freelancers charge between $40 to $100 per hour, while some offer a flat fee of $1,500 to $6,000 per grant, depending on how complex the work is. One benefit of hiring a freelance grant writer is the lower cost compared to agencies. They often have less overhead and may work faster on small projects. Another pro is flexibility, they can take short-term or one-time jobs. 

However, one downside is that some freelancers may not offer full support, like editing or research help. Also, quality can vary, so it is important to check their past work or reviews. To find a reliable freelancer, look on trusted platforms, ask for samples, or get referrals from other nonprofits or businesses. This helps you stay within your budget while getting the support you need for a strong proposal.

Flat-Fee Grant Writing Packages

Flat-fee grant writing packages are helpful for clients who want to know the full cost of a project in advance. Instead of paying by the hour, you agree to pay one set price for the entire job. This option is popular for organizations that have a clear budget and want fewer surprises in billing. Below are key points to understand when looking at flat-fee services;

What’s Included in a Flat-Fee Proposal

A good flat-fee package should cover all major parts of the grant writing process. This includes researching suitable grant opportunities, writing the full proposal, reviewing guidelines to match funder expectations, and editing the final draft. 

Most packages also include writing a cover letter, preparing supporting documents such as budgets, timelines, or logic models, and sometimes even submitting the application on your behalf. 

Some packages may include follow-up communication with the funder or simple revisions based on feedback. It is important to ask for a clear list of deliverables before agreeing to a flat fee so you know what is included and what is not.

How to Know If a Package Price Is Fair

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. 

To decide if the price is fair, consider the amount of writing and research required, how much support is offered, and how many revisions are included. You can also compare rates from other writers or agencies with similar services. A fair price should reflect the time, skill, and effort needed to create a high-quality, fundable proposal.

Red Flags in Flat-Fee Grant Services

Some services offer cheap flat-fee packages, but not all of them provide quality work. Be cautious of writers who promise guaranteed funding—no grant writer can control the final outcome, and such promises are misleading. Avoid services that do not ask detailed questions about your project, or that rush to complete your proposal without proper research. 

Another red flag is a lack of past writing samples, unclear timelines, or hidden charges for revisions. Reliable grant writers will be transparent about their process, set clear expectations, and focus on quality and funder alignment and not just quick delivery.

Retainer and Monthly Pricing Options

Retainer and monthly pricing options are a good choice for organizations that need ongoing grant writing help throughout the year. A retainer model means you pay a set fee every month in exchange for a fixed number of hours or tasks. This works best when your nonprofit applies for several grants regularly and needs continuous research, writing, and reporting. 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. 

For many nonprofits, monthly support can be more cost effective than paying for each grant one at a time. It saves time, builds a steady workflow, and creates a strong relationship with the writer. This setup also helps with planning because you know what services are included every month. Choosing a monthly plan makes sense if your organization depends on grants all year round.

How Much Do Grant Writers Make? 

Many people ask how much grant writers make, and the answer depends on how they work and who they work for. Full-time grant writers usually earn between $50,000 and $85,000 per year, depending on their experience, location, and the type of organization. Freelance grant writers, on the other hand, can earn more or less depending on how many clients they serve and the size of the projects. Some freelancers make over $100,000 a year, while others may earn less if they’re just starting out. 

A grant writer’s pricing structure is influenced by factors like years of experience, project difficulty, deadlines, and the type of grants being written. Writers who handle large government grants or work under tight timelines often charge higher rates. When comparing salary vs. freelance, freelancers may earn more, but their income is not always steady. Full-time workers have stable pay and benefits, while freelancers have more freedom and income potential. Both paths can be successful, depending on your skills, goals, and work style.

What Affects the Cost of Grant Writing?

The cost of grant writing can change based on several important factors. Knowing what affects the price helps organizations plan better and choose the right writer for their needs. Below are three key things that often impact the total cost:

Grant Type and Application Length

The type of grant you are applying for has a big impact on the cost. Some grants are short and require only basic details, such as small foundation or community grants.

Others, like government or federal grants, may need many pages, multiple sections, and detailed writing. These longer proposals take more time to prepare and review, which raises the overall cost. 

A grant writer must read the funder’s guidelines carefully and make sure every part is included. This means more hours spent writing and organizing. The more complex the application, the higher the fee will be. Organizations should expect to pay more for grants that require deep planning and large amounts of content.

Research and Reporting Requirements

Some grants ask for a lot of background research and follow-up reporting. This includes finding data about the problem, showing proof of past success, or giving future plans on how the money will be used. A grant writer needs time to collect this information, organize it clearly, and connect it to the goals of the funder. 

Some funders also require regular updates or final reports after the grant is awarded. If reporting is included, the job does not end with the proposal, it continues even after the grant is submitted. This extra time and effort often lead to a higher price. More research and reporting means more hours, which increases the total cost.

Writer’s Experience and Success Rate

A grant writer with many years of experience usually charges more than someone who is just starting out. This is because experienced writers know what funders look for and how to avoid common mistakes. They often have a proven record of winning grants, which adds value to their services.                                                       

Organizations are willing to pay higher fees for someone who brings more knowledge and a better chance of success. The more grants a writer has helped win, the more confident a client feels. New writers may charge less, but they may need more time or guidance. Paying for experience can lead to better results, especially for high stakes or complex grant applications.

How to Choose a Grant Writer Based on Your Budget

Choosing a grant writer based on your budget means finding someone who can do good work without spending too much. It is important to understand what you need and what you can afford. A good grant writer can help you win funding, but prices vary. Below are helpful tips to guide you when making your choice:

Questions to Ask Before You Hire

Before hiring a grant writer, ask key questions to understand their skills and if they are a good fit. Ask about their past experience, what types of grants they have worked on, and their success rate. 

Find out what is included in their fee, how long the project will take, and if revisions are part of the price. Ask for writing samples to see their work quality. Also, check if they understand your field or type of organization. Clear answers to these questions help you avoid surprises later. A good grant writer will be open and honest about their process.

Finding Value Without Overspending

Getting the best value means balancing quality with cost. The lowest price is not always the best option if it leads to poor writing or missed deadlines. Focus on what you are getting for the price, such as, proposal writing, editing, and research. 

Choose a writer who listens, asks smart questions, and shows they understand your funding goals. Compare offers from different writers before deciding. If one option costs more but includes extra services or a better track record, it might be worth it. Value is about results, not just price.

Low-Cost Options for Small Organizations

Small organizations with tight budgets still have options. Consider working with freelance writers who charge less or offer flat fees. You can also look for new writers who want to build experience and may charge lower rates. 

Local colleges or volunteer programs may have students or skilled writers willing to help. Some platforms offer writing help at reduced costs, especially for nonprofits. Also, ask if writers offer payment plans or discounts for ongoing work. These low-cost choices can help you get started without going over your budget.

Is Hiring a Grant Writer Worth the Cost?

Many organizations wonder if hiring a grant writer is worth the cost. The answer depends on your goals, the size of the grant, and your team’s skills. One way to decide is by comparing the return on investment (ROI) to the cost of the service. For example, if you spend $5,000 on a grant writer and win a $100,000 grant, the value clearly outweighs the cost. 

A well written proposal can bring in funding that supports programs, staff, or new projects. Still, hiring is not always the best choice. You might choose to write in-house if you have staff with strong writing skills and enough time. But if your team is busy or lacks grant writing experience, hiring a professional may save time and improve your chances of success. In the end, the decision should be based on what brings the best results with the resources you have.

Grant Writing Fees FAQs