A successful grant proposal requires seven phases of development:

1. Define a specific project to be funded.

2. Describe details of the project (objectives, timeline, personnel, budget).

3. Research options for funders and available grants.

4. Submit a letter of intent (LOI) to one or more funders, if required.

5. Create a draft proposal and gain approval from key leaders.

6. Edit the proposal for each funder, aligning it with their mission.

7. Submit completed proposals with final approval from key leaders.

When a proposal will be written for one specific grant, or for a simple grant application, this process can move quickly by aligning the project and proposal with the specific purpose of that grant.

 

The total cost for submitting one proposal can vary significantly based on several factors:

1. A proposal developed for one known grant or when more than one proposal for the project is submitted to different funders

2. Complexity of the defined project or program

3. Amount time needed for consultation with key leaders to gather data and essential details for the proposal

4. Funder requirements for the full proposal

 

Costs will be based on an hourly rate of $50, with options for a total cost agreed upon in advance after consultations about what may be involved with developing a grant proposal.

The 7-phase proposal development process does not include project evaluations and reports required by a funder once the award is granted. If desired, a working agreement may include that additional work.

 

Please be aware of these standard practices for freelance grant writers:

• Grant writers do 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.

• No guarantee can be given that any proposal will receive the grant award.

• Total costs for grant proposals generally are less than 5% of the grant amount.