As a nonprofit professional or business owner, you’re likely no stranger to the world of grant writing. But when it comes to compensating grant writers, there’s often confusion about what’s fair and what’s standard practice. One question we frequently hear is: What percentage does a grant writer get paid?

The answer may surprise you: zero. That’s right; professional grant writers should not work on commission, taking a percentage of the awarded grant. But why is this the case?

The Professional Consensus: No Commission-Based Payment

Two leading professional organizations in the field, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), explicitly bar grant writers from taking a percentage of the grant. This prohibition is rooted in the understanding that grantmakers do not want to fund fundraising activities, including grant writing.

Why Commission-Based Payment Doesn’t Work

There are several reasons why commission-based payment is not a viable or ethical approach for grant writers:

1. Grantmakers won’t allow it: Funders will not permit you to include a grant writer’s commission in the grant budget. They also prohibit giving out part of the award as payment.
2. Grant writing is a professional service: Experienced grant writers bring significant expertise to the table. They deserve fair compensation for their work, regardless of the grant’s outcome.
3. Grant success is influenced by many factors: Grantmakers decline grants for various reasons, often beyond the grant writer’s control. These factors include the organization’s effectiveness, competing applications, and funder priorities.

Paying Grant Writers Fairly

So, how should you compensate grant writers? The answer is simple: pay them a fair, competitive rate for their work. This approach recognizes the value they bring to your organization, regardless of the grant’s outcome.

By paying grant writers fairly, you’re acknowledging the time and effort they invest in developing high-quality content that showcases your organization’s strengths and successes. You’re not paying them for the outcome of the grant; you’re paying them for their expertise and work product.

Conclusion

In summary, commission-based payment for grant writers is not a viable or ethical approach. Instead, pay grant writers fairly for their work, recognizing the value they bring to your organization. By doing so, you’ll attract and retain top talent, ultimately strengthening your grant writing efforts and increasing your chances of securing funding.