Are you a grant seeker looking to hire a grant writer? GrantWriterTeam provides an easy-to-use platform for grant seekers to match with the perfect grant writer. Here are 15 of the most commonly asked grant seeker questions about our website to help you determine if our service is right for you!
1. What Does a Grant Writer Do?
Grant writers are available for a range of services, not limited to:
- Finding federal, state & local grants
- Finding foundation grants and contracts
- Writing LOIs (Letters of Intent/Interest)
- Writing Proposal Narratives
- Writing RFPs (Requests for Proposal)
- Completing a Needs Assessment
- Developing Budgets
- Curriculum Development
- Preparing Evaluation Reports
- Polishing your current application/quality assurance
2. Am I Guaranteed to Receive a Grant?
Grants are never guaranteed. However, hiring an experienced grant writer does increase the chances of being awarded a grant. Without a grant writer, the average is a 1 in 7 chance. Grant proposals that are prepared by professional grant writers usually have a 60% chance of approval.
3. How Much is it to Hire a Grant Writer?
Grant writer fees depend on factors like the type and number of grants you need written. Additionally, a writer with a proven track record may charge higher fees. Most grant writers typically start at $40 per hour. For example, the average cost for a 5 to 8 page grant proposal with narrative text is around $1,500. It’s important to note that grant funds cannot be used to pay the grant writer, so you must cover this expense upfront before submitting the proposal. When you’re ready to hire a professional grant writer, visit GrantWriterTeam.com and post a classified ad. After vetting candidates, you can select a grant writer who has industry knowledge, creativity, strong writing skills, and a proven track record.
4. Will Grant Writers Work on a Contingency Fee?
Grant writers should never work on a contingency basis or for a success fee. If a grant writer proposes to write the grant in exchange for a percentage of the grant funds, you should avoid them immediately. This practice is not only unethical but also violates state, federal, and foundation funding guidelines. If a funder discovers that a grant writer was compensated with a portion of the grant award, the grant could be rescinded, and there may be legal repercussions.
5. How Much Notice Does a Grant Writer Need?
Each grant is different, therefore, the length of time needed is fluid. Ideally, grant writers need at least three weeks to guarantee successful completion. It takes time to research, find, and write a grant. The more time they have to dedicate themselves to your endeavor, the better the grant will be. In addition, you’ll want to have plenty of time left before you the application deadline to review and revise, if needed. Even if you already have a specific grant in mind, many grant writers request a lead time of two weeks for foundation grants and 30 to 45 days for federal grants, although these timeframes can vary based on the circumstances.
6. Can I Choose My Grant Writer?
Yes! Choosing a grant writer is a delicate operation. You will work very closely with the individual you choose and compatibility is key. First, log into GrantWriterTeam and post a classified ad. Classified ads can run from 1 to 4 weeks in duration and starts at $25.00. Once your ad is placed , you have full access to all the grant writes profiles listed on the site. You may also find a grant writer using our SMART grant writer search tool.
7. What is the Success Rate of the GrantWriterTeam?
Our grant writers are experts at researching and writing grants, and have resumes to prove it. All grant writers listed on our site have years of experience and exhibit a high rate of success. As always, success rates vary and are never guaranteed. While GrantWriterTeam does not vet grant writers, a quick visit to the website is all you need to do to begin the vetting process on your own. View the Success stories of grant writers who have met grant seekers on the platform.
8. How Do I Interview a Grant Writer?
When you interview a grant writer you want to determine a grant writer’s ability to find viable opportunities for your organization. Grant writers are responsible for researching, identifying, and applying for funds from various organizations, foundations, and corporations. A grant writer must have the necessary skills and experience to help your organization win a grant. How well a grant writer understands the process of researching and writing grants is critical.
9. How Long Until a Grant Writer Answers My Ad?
Grant writers are notified daily of any new and existing jobs. Normally, grant seekers hear from a grant writer within 1-3 business days. Once you have placed an ad you will also have access to the grant writers list. Here you can review grant writer profiles and contact the proactively.
10. How Long Before I Know I Got the Grant?
The time frame between submitting a grant application and receiving an award notice can range from one or two weeks to as long as 12 months. However, grant makers generally make funding decisions within 3 to 6 months. The best way to know how long the process will take is to contact the funder directly.
11. Is there a Retainer?
Yes, many nonprofit organizations use retainers to secure a grant writer’s services. However, note that a retainer is not the same as a contingency fee or a down payment. Contingency fees are a no-no, and down payments are paid on a per-job basis. A retainer is used for long-term commitments. For example, it could last anywhere from 6 months to a year, guaranteeing a grant writer’s commitment to researching and writing multiple grants. GrantWriterTeam facilitates connections between writers and seekers and any discussion of a retainer is strictly between the involved parties.
12. Do I Need a Contract?
There is no rule that states you must have a written agreement or contract between you and your grant writer, but there are a few ground rules you should follow. First, if your organization outsources the task of grant writing, then a contract is a wise choice. Contracts protect both you and the writer and acts as a guide for the work being completed.
13. How Do I Pay a Grant Writer?
GrantWriterTeam plays no role in the agreement you reach with your chosen grant writer. All contracts between writers and seekers are private. This protects all parties and ensures you, the grant seeker has full control over the process. We encourage grant writers to respond with their own hourly or flat-rate fees, enabling potential clients to make informed decisions based on their budget and project requirements.
14. What Makes GrantWriterTeam Different?
GrantWriterTeam serves exclusively as a platform for connecting clients with grant writers and does not endorse or guarantee the quality or reliability of any individual grant writer. The inclusion of grant writers on our website does not indicate any partnership, affiliation, or endorsement between GrantWriterTeam and the listed grant writers. That said, the writers on the site pay a fee to be there and are required to fill out a resume verification.
15. Who Should Hire a Grant Writer?
Anyone can hire a grant writer. Our professional opinion is that businesses, nonprofits, and even individuals can qualify for grant funding. It’s more of a personal choice. Some organizations cannot afford to hire grant writers and will task internal employees with the work. Feasibility is a big factor when making the decision to hire a grant writer. Time is another. If you can invest 5% of your operational budget in hiring a freelance grant writer, and don’t have the time to dedicate to the process, it’s a wise choice.
The Bottom Line
To conclude this session, GrantWriterTeam receives many grant seeker questions about grants, grant writing, and the overall process. We are pleased to bring you this information and look forward to interacting with all of our clients. If you have an inquiry not covered in the questions above, please, feel free to leave it in the comments. And, of course, you can also visit our website.
About GrantWriterTeam
Are you a nonprofit or small business in need of some help? If you are searching for grants but are feeling overwhelmed, hiring a grant writer may be the perfect choice for you! Grant writers thoughtfully grant opportunities and consider the pros and cons of applying and the chance of success. Consider your writer an extension of your organization. Your grant-seeking success is our priority at GrantWriterTeam.
Disclaimer: There is no guarantee that grants will be awarded as a result of this information.
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