How Much Does a Grant Writer Cost in Australia?

Last Updated, 15 July, 2024
Written by <a href="https://winwithwords.com.au/grant-resources/author/nic/" target="_self">Nicole Wren</a>

Written by Nicole Wren

man looking at receipts and using a calculator
We contacted 15 grant writers to find out just how much grant writers charge in Australia.

When it comes to securing funding for your non-profit or business venture, hiring a professional grant writer can be a wise investment. Grant writers have the expertise to draft winning proposals that increase your chances of securing funding. However, one of the most common questions asked by organisations is: How much does a grant writer cost in Australia? We contacted 15 grant writers to find out.

Our Study

We contacted 15 grant writers to obtain their fees for writing a proposal for the ClubGRANTS Category 3 Fund, noting the grant request was for $100K for new sporting equipment. We asked each grant writer to estimate the work involved and provide their pricing structure. Of the 15 grant writers contacted, 10 responded to our request.

Results: How Much Do Grant Writers Charge in Australia?

  • Flat-Fee Costs:
    • 7 out of 10 grant writers provided a flat-fee cost, which included their hourly rates. The flat-fee ranged from $700 to $2000, including GST.
  • Hourly Rates:
    • 2 out of 10 grant writers provided only their hourly rates, with no indication of the total hours required. Their rates ranged from $70 to $100 per hour, including GST.
  • Percentage Rates:
    • 1 out of 10 grant writers provided a percentage-based fee, which meant the client is only charged if the proposal is successful. In this case, the percentage fee was 10%. Given the hypothetical funds were $100K, this meant the grant writer was seeking $10k for their work. While this was a lot higher than the other quotes, the ‘no-win/no-charge’ aspect could be appealing to many clients.

Which Fee Structure is Best for You?

There are pros and cons to each fee structure.

  • Flat-Fee Structure:
    • This option is beneficial if you prefer knowing the total cost upfront. The flat-fee provided by most grant writers for this project ranged from $700 to $2000, which offers a clear picture of the total investment required.
  • Hourly Rate Structure:
    • This option can be more flexible, especially if your project scope may change or if you require additional services beyond the initial proposal. The hourly rates of $70 to $100 provide a range but can add up quickly if the project requires more hours than anticipated. Of course, no grant is the same, and therefore each grant is assessed by the grant writer themselves to determine how many hours work is likely involved. The 10 grant writers who responded estimated that the work involved for this specific grant would take between 10 to 20 hours.
  • Percentage Rate Structure:
    • In this option, you only pay if the grant is successful, which can be beneficial for organisations with limited upfront funding. Also, this type of structure means the grant writer has a vested interest in the success of the proposal since their payment depends on it. However, for larger grant amounts, the percentage fee can become quite substantial. Note, also that many grants do not allow you to utilise grant funds for professional grant writers, so you will need to come up with the funds another way.

Factors Influencing the Cost of a Grant Writer

Experience and Expertise

Experienced grant writers with a proven track record typically charge higher fees. Beginners or less experienced grant writers may offer lower rates, but they might lack the nuanced understanding required for competitive grant applications.

Project Complexity

The complexity of the grant application can significantly affect the cost. Grants that require detailed research, extensive data analysis, and comprehensive project descriptions will take more time to prepare, increasing the overall cost. Simpler grants with straightforward requirements are less time-consuming and, therefore, cheaper.

Length and Scope of the Proposal

The length and scope of the grant proposal also play a role in determining the cost. Longer proposals that require in-depth explanations and supporting documents will naturally be more expensive.

Shorter proposals or those with less demanding requirements will be on the lower end of the cost spectrum.

Funding Amount

Some grant writers base their fees on the amount of funding being sought. Higher funding amounts might lead to higher fees due to the increased stakes and expectations involved in securing significant grants.

Turnaround Time

If you need the grant proposal completed quickly, you may incur rush fees. Tight deadlines require grant writers to prioritise your project, potentially leading to additional charges.

When budgeting for a grant writer in Australia, it’s essential to consider both flat-fee and hourly rate structures. The total cost can vary widely, but for a standard grant application, you can expect to pay between $700 and $2000. Investing in a professional grant writer can significantly increase your chances of securing funding, making it a worthwhile expense for many organisations.

Whether you choose a flat-fee or hourly rate grant writer, ensure to discuss all details upfront to avoid any unexpected costs. This way, you can plan your budget accordingly.

Wondering what we charge? Contact us for a quote.

Share This