What It Is
Grant writing and review consulting transforms your writing expertise and industry knowledge into funding success for organizations. You craft compelling proposals that turn ideas into funded realities, helping nonprofits, research institutions, and businesses secure the financial resources they need to achieve their missions and bring innovations to life.
How the Monetization Works
Your ability to secure funding becomes highly valuable through various compensation models:
- Project-based fees for complete grant applications ($1,500-$5,000+)
- Hourly consulting rates for strategy development ($75-$150)
- Success fees based on grant approval (typically 5-10% of awarded funds)
- Retainer arrangements for ongoing funding support
Organizations recognize that professional grant writing dramatically increases their chances of securing competitive funding—making your expertise an investment that can yield returns many times your fee. The specialized nature of different funding sources creates opportunities to develop valuable niche expertise in areas like scientific research, education, or community development.
Example
A scientist transitioning to consulting might help a biotech startup secure federal research grants (like SBIR funding), charging a project fee for each completed application. When successful, the startup receives essential R&D funding while the consultant earns professional fees for their expertise.
Practical Steps to Get Started
- Document Your Grant Success: Highlight specific funding amounts you've helped secure in the past.
- Develop Funder Relationships: Build connections with program officers who oversee grant distribution.
- Create Comprehensive Proposal Templates: Develop frameworks that streamline the application process.
- Master Funding Research Tools: Become proficient with databases like Foundation Directory Online or Grants.gov.
Key Takeaways
Grant writing consulting allows you to directly impact causes and companies you believe in while creating a substantial income stream. By transforming complex ideas into compelling proposals, you become the bridge between great projects and the funding they need—a tremendously rewarding professional position both financially and personally.
Further Reading & Resources
- Grant Professionals Association – Professional development, networking, and job opportunities
- GrantStation – Comprehensive database of funding opportunities and resources
- TechSoup – Nonprofit technology hub offering training that can lead to grant writing connections
