Frequently asked questions.

  • No. Grant writing services are not allowable costs to be paid or reimbursed from grant funds after an award is made.

    Most public and private funders restrict grant expenditures to direct program costs and allowable post-award administrative activities. As a result, grant writing fees cannot be charged to, reimbursed from, or retroactively included in an awarded grant.

    For this reason, all grant writing services provided by The Grant Writing Firm are:

        •    Billed as an upfront, flat fee

        •    Paid prior to submission

        •    Not contingent on award

        •    Not reimbursable from grant funds

    This structure ensures transparency, compliance with funder requirements, and ethical separation between grant development and post-award activities.

    Post-award management and evaluation services, when applicable, are a separate service and may be allowable if disclosed in advance, included in the proposed budget, and approved by the funder.

  • Yes, but it can be more challenging. Many grants are specifically designed for nonprofit organizations. However, there are funding opportunities available for for-profit entities, particularly in sectors like research, innovation, small business development, and economic growth. Eligibility depends on the nature of your organization and the type of grant you're seeking. We recommend contacting us to discuss your options and determine if you qualify for any available funding.

  • Our fees vary depending on the complexity of the project and the specific requirements of the grant. When you reach out to us, we will review your organization’s grant history, the scope of work needed, your goals, and the time and effort associated with the grant you would like to go after to provide you with a customized estimate. Our goal is to be fully transparent with our pricing to ensure you're comfortable with the budget before proceeding.

  • No, it is considered unethical for grant writers to work on a commission basis. Associations like the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the American Grant Writers’ Association view commission-based payment structures as problematic because grant writers cannot control whether an application is successful. Additionally, funders generally do not want their grant money used to pay for such overhead costs. Instead, we charge a set fee for our services, which reflects the time, expertise, and effort involved in crafting a competitive proposal.

  • Yes. Applying for grants as a new nonprofit can be difficult. Many funders prefer to see a proven track record and often require at least three years of financial records. This is because funders want to know that your organization has the stability and history to carry out the project effectively. While there are some grants available for newer organizations, they tend to be limited. If your organization isn’t quite ready for grants, we can help guide you toward becoming "grant ready," offering advice on organizational development and funding strategies.

  • We have extensive experience across a variety of sectors such as healthcare, education, human services, environmental sustainability, and community development. Our team has worked on small foundation grants as well as large state and government grants. Whether you’re seeking funding for a local community project or a national initiative, we can help you find and apply for the right opportunities.

  • After discussing your needs and receiving payment, we will assign a dedicated Grant Expert to your project. The Grant Specialist will work closely with you to gather information, strategize the approach, and craft a proposal. We also schedule regular check-ins to ensure you stay informed and involved throughout the process. Once the draft is complete, we will review it with you and make any necessary revisions before the final submission.

    If you have any additional questions or would like more information about our services, please feel free to contact us. We're here to support your organization's funding goals!

  • No. The Grant Writing Firm does not provide contingency-based or success-based compensation for grant writing services. All grant writing services are billed as an upfront fee, disclosed in advance, and governed by a written agreement executed prior to submission.

  • Post-award management services are contracted directly with the client organization and are provided only after a grant award is made. In some cases, funders permit post-award management or compliance services to be included in the grant budget as an allowable cost, subject to advance disclosure and funder approval. The client organization is ultimately responsible for payment of all services, regardless of funding source.