What percentage does a grant writer get paid?
Nonprofits that are newer to grant writing may ask: What percentage does a grant writer get paid? What they’re really asking is, what is the cut, or commission, a grant writer takes from an awarded grant?
The answer is fairly straightforward: zero. Two professional organizations, the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Grant Professionals Association, bar grant writers from taking a percentage of the grant, also known as working on commission.
What percentage does a grant writer get paid?
Grant writers should not work on commission for several reasons. First, grantmakers do not want to fund your fundraising activities, and grant writing falls under that category. They will not allow you to add a grant writer’s commission as part of your grant budget, and they will bar your organization from giving out part of their award as payment.
Why commission-based grant writing is not allowed
Many funders specifically state that they will not cover expenses related to fundraising or development work, including grant writing. Some grants allow you to include consultant fees for preparation, but this is the exception rather than the rule. More importantly, grant results depend on multiple elements: the nonprofit’s readiness, their financial records, alignment with the funder’s priorities, and market competition. None of these is within the grant writer’s control.
Nonprofits should pay good, experienced grant writers for their high-quality work regardless of the grant’s outcome. That’s because they’ve put the time in to developing content that reflects your organization’s strengths and successes. You’re paying them for that content, rather than for the outcome of the grant.
Grantmakers decline to fund grants for many reasons. And most of them are well beyond a grant writer’s control or influence. First, the organization must be well organized, effective, and successful. The grant writer can emphasize these things in a grant, but ultimately cannot control them. Next, there are many things happening behind the scenes at a foundation or corporation that are also out of the grant writer’s control. Competing organizations, funder whims and connections, you name it—there’s much more to it than simple grant writing.
What are grant writers actually paid for?
When asking how much does a grant writer get paid, it’s important to consider what you’re actually paying for. Grant writers offer strategic guidance, project framing, research, storytelling, and technical precision. These deliverables are valuable regardless of whether the application is awarded. In many cases, nonprofits can reuse parts of a grant application across other submissions, amplifying the long-term value of the investment.
In fact, we do not even track grant success rates for these reasons. Success rates are largely out of our control. There are too many factors to say, “Our writing has directly resulted in X percentage of funded grants.”
In summary, it’s important to pay a grant writer what they’re worth, regardless of the outcome of the grant.
Common fee structures for grant writers
While rates vary, most grant writers use one of three models: hourly, per-project, or retainer. In each case, payment is expected at the time of service, and not after the grant is awarded. Contingency-based payment puts both the nonprofit and the writer at legal and ethical risk. Paying upfront for services ensures the focus stays on quality and alignment.
How do organizations pay grant writers?
Great question! Here’s a look at how grant writer fees work.
How much does a grant writer get paid—typical rates in 2025
So, how much does a grant writer get paid in actual numbers? Most grant writers in 2025 charge hourly rates ranging from $40 to $150 per hour, depending on experience and scope. For a full proposal, fees often range from $500 to $7,500. Complex federal grants or long-term planning projects may run even higher. Always discuss fees and deliverables upfront to avoid surprises.
In summary
In short, the answer to “how much does a grant writer get paid” is rooted in professionalism, not percentages. Commission-based payments are not allowed. Instead, grant writers charge fees based on time, expertise, and services rendered. You’re investing in strong writing, strategic insight, and long-term grant readiness. Not just a win or loss.
Need help with your next grant application? Reach out to Professional Grant Writers to discuss your project scope and receive a quote.
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