Frequently Asked Questions

How does Bierly Grant Services get paid?

Bierly Grant Services offers two types of payment engagement structures—a retainer structure in which clients pay a monthly fee for ongoing grant services, and a per-project structure in which clients pay a set amount for each project completed. My fees are based on the time, expertise, and planning required to craft compelling grant applications.

Contrary to many people’s conception, grant writers cannot legally or ethically be paid based on a percentage of grant funds awarded. This practice violates federal grant guidelines and creates conflicts of interest. Bierly Grant Services upholds industry best practices by charging a flat fee or retainer model for grant services.

Will you work on commission or on contingency?

No. I don’t accept commissions, success-based fees, or any payment structure tied to a percentage of awarded funds. This isn’t just a personal policy, it’s prohibited under the ethics standards of the Grant Professionals Association and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and many funders will disqualify applications or rescind an award if they learn that the writer was paid this way. The concern from their perspective is that it creates a conflict of interest that can compromise the integrity of the proposal.

That means I get paid for the work itself—research, strategy, writing, and submission support—regardless of whether a given grant is ultimately awarded. Funding decisions are made by the grantor, not the writer, so no ethical grant professional can guarantee results. What I can guarantee is a thoroughly researched, well-positioned, and professionally written application.

What does it cost to work with Bierly Grant Services?

Pricing depends on your organization’s size, capacity, and the scope of work involved.

• Retainer engagements typically range from $950 - $2,500/month, with smaller organizations and lighter scopes toward the lower end, and larger nonprofits or more comprehensive support toward the higher end.

• Per-project fees range from $300 - $4,000, depending on the complexity of the application and the funder’s requirements. Most standard proposals fall somewhere in the middle of that range.

Because every nonprofit’s needs are different, I provide a specific quote after learning more about your organization and goals. Complete the Contact Form on this page and I’ll be happy to talk through what makes sense for you.

How long does it take to write a grant?

It’s very difficult to predict how long it will take to prepare a particular grant application. Turnaround time depends on a few factors:

• The complexity of the grant application

• Whether the organization has the necessary data and documentation readily available

• The specific funder’s requirements

Simpler applications can take 1 - 2 weeks; complex, multi-part proposals make take 4 - 6 weeks or more. We will always do our best to give you an estimate as to when your proposal will be complete on a per-project basis.

How do we get started?

Getting started is simple:

• Reach out. Send an email, complete my contact form, or give me a call to briefly share what your organization does and what kind of support you’re looking for.

• Have a short conversation. We’ll talk through your goals, capacity, and funding needs so I can understand where you’d benefit most from support.

• Get a proposal. I’ll put together a scope of work and pricing tailored to your organization, so you know exactly what to expect before committing to anything.

From there, we can move forward whenever you’re ready. There is no pressure and no obligation from that first conversation.