How to Make 1900$ from Writing Grants
Writing grants is one of the most lucrative freelance services in the nonprofit and educational sectors. As a Wall Street veteran and entrepreneur who has built multiple revenue streams, I know that success comes from combining value-driven work with strategic marketing. Here’s how you can generate $1,900 per month—or more—by writing grant proposals for clients, even if you’re just starting out.
13 Tips to Charge $200 Per Grant Proposal
Setting the right price is critical for establishing yourself as a professional while maximizing profitability. Here’s how to confidently charge $200 per grant proposal:
1. Position Yourself as an Expert
Highlight your experience, certifications, and knowledge in nonprofit funding.
2. Research the Market
Most freelance grant writers charge between $150–$300 per proposal, depending on complexity.
3. Offer Detailed Proposals
Break down your services into clear deliverables to justify your price.
4. Highlight ROI for Clients
Show that securing funding through your proposals is worth the investment.
5. Specialize in High-Demand Areas
Focus on sectors like education, healthcare, or technology where funding opportunities are abundant.
6. Use Sliding Scale Pricing
Offer a discount for bulk proposals while maintaining a $200 minimum per project.
7. Bundle Services
Include related offerings like funding strategy consultations.
8. Provide Testimonials
Use client reviews to validate your pricing.
9. Showcase Certifications
Certifications like GPC (Grant Professional Certified) can command higher rates.
10. Leverage Metrics
Quote statistics such as your average success rate for funded proposals (e.g., “80% success rate”).
11. Be Transparent About Complexity
Charge a base rate of $200 for simple proposals, with add-ons for more complex grants.
12. Set Clear Terms
Define the scope of work upfront to avoid undervaluing your time.
13. Stick to Your Pricing
Confidence in your value will deter clients from lowballing.
7 Strategies to Secure $1,900 in Income
Hitting your income target requires a mix of client acquisition, effective marketing, and efficient delivery.
1. Target 10 Clients Monthly
At $200 per proposal, you need just 10 clients to earn $2,000.
2. Focus on Recurring Contracts
Secure long-term agreements with nonprofits that regularly apply for grants.
3. Offer Monthly Retainers
Charge $500–$1,000 monthly to handle multiple grant applications for a single client.
4. Add Consulting Services
Include an additional $300–$500 for a funding strategy session.
5. Upsell Editing Services
Charge $50–$100 to review and edit existing proposals.
6. Tap into Referral Networks
Encourage satisfied clients to recommend your services to others.
7. Increase Efficiency
Focus on proposals for grants you’re already familiar with to reduce time spent researching.
10 Techniques for Networking with Nonprofits
Building a strong network is the backbone of any successful grant-writing business. Here’s how to connect with decision-makers in the nonprofit world:
1. Attend Nonprofit Events
Conferences and seminars are prime networking opportunities.
2. Join Online Communities
Engage in Facebook groups or LinkedIn forums for nonprofit professionals.
3. Collaborate with Other Freelancers
Partner with designers or strategists to expand your client base.
4. Volunteer Strategically
Offer pro bono work for nonprofits that can provide testimonials or referrals.
5. Use Email Campaigns
Send personalized emails to nonprofits explaining your services.
6. Build a LinkedIn Profile
Highlight your skills, certifications, and success stories.
7. Leverage Word-of-Mouth
Ask satisfied clients for introductions to their networks.
8. Host Free Webinars
Teach basics about grant writing to establish credibility.
9. Collaborate with Foundations
Work with funding organizations that can recommend your services to applicants.
10. Attend Local Nonprofit Mixers
Smaller networking events often yield valuable connections.
19 Ideas to Showcase Your Success Stories
Showcasing your success builds credibility and attracts clients willing to pay premium rates.
1. Create a Portfolio
Include funded proposals in your portfolio.
2. Use Data-Driven Results
Highlight metrics like the total funds secured (e.g., “$1.5M raised in 2023”).
3. Share Testimonials
Ask clients to provide written or video reviews.
4. Write Case Studies
Detail the problem, your solution, and the results for specific clients.
5. Leverage Social Media
Post stories about successful projects on LinkedIn and Instagram.
6. Design Before-and-After Comparisons
Show how your grant proposals improved nonprofit funding outcomes.
7. Publish Blog Posts
Write articles about best practices and success tips for grant writing.
8. Include Logos
Display the logos of nonprofits or foundations you’ve worked with.
9. Create a Dedicated Website
Make your portfolio accessible online.
10. Host Q&A Sessions
Discuss your experiences and successes during live webinars.
11. Use Infographics
Visually represent your impact using data and charts.
12. Share Client Success Stories
Highlight how their programs improved after funding was secured.
13. Participate in Panels
Speak at nonprofit events to enhance visibility.
14. Write Guest Posts
Contribute articles to nonprofit-focused websites or publications.
15. Send Newsletters
Update your audience with your latest successes and tips.
16. Pitch to Local Media
Share your story in local newspapers or radio shows.
17. Provide Training
Teach grant-writing workshops to establish yourself as an expert.
18. Highlight Unique Proposals
Showcase out-of-the-box ideas that stood out.
19. Track ROI
Document how your work helped clients meet funding goals.
14 Tips for Crafting Winning Grant Proposals
Winning proposals require more than just good writing—they demand strategic thinking and precision.
1. Understand the Funders’ Goals
Align your proposal with the foundation’s mission and priorities.
2. Research Thoroughly
Gather data about the nonprofit and the grant opportunity.
3. Tailor Every Proposal
Avoid generic language; customize each submission.
4. Use Clear Language
Write concisely and avoid jargon.
5. Start with a Strong Summary
The executive summary should grab attention immediately.
6. Provide Evidence
Include statistics, studies, and testimonials to support your argument.
7. Outline Measurable Outcomes
Define clear, quantifiable goals the funding will achieve.
8. Create a Budget Breakdown
Detail how every dollar will be used.
9. Follow the Guidelines
Ensure your proposal meets all submission requirements.
10. Add Visuals
Charts, graphs, and images make your proposal more engaging.
11. Proofread Meticulously
Spelling errors can undermine credibility.
12. Include Letters of Support
Show endorsements from community leaders or partner organizations.
13. Cite Past Successes
Demonstrate your ability to manage funding effectively.
14. Submit Early
Avoid last-minute issues by planning ahead.
6 Ways to Get Repeat Clients
Repeat clients provide stability and reduce the need for constant marketing. Here’s how to keep them coming back:
1. Deliver Exceptional Results
Meet or exceed expectations with every project.
2. Stay in Touch
Send periodic updates and check-ins.
3. Offer Retainer Packages
Provide ongoing support for a monthly fee.
4. Be Proactive
Identify new grant opportunities for existing clients.
5. Celebrate Wins Together
Publicly acknowledge successes, like funded grants, on social media.
6. Request Feedback
Ask clients how you can improve and implement their suggestions.
By leveraging these strategies, you can turn grant writing into a reliable $1,900 monthly revenue stream while building a reputation for excellence in the nonprofit world.
