There is a myth that non-profit organizations do not have money to pay grant writers. Many beginning grant writers assume they must accept low pay because they work for a non-profit.
This is not true.
I regularly earn $100K+/year as a freelance grant writer and have for nearly two decades. In my experience, non-profit organizations are more likely to pay a grant writer more than other positions because there is a clear ROI (return on investment). If my client pays me $50,000/year and I bring in $500,000 that year, they can easily see that my retainer fee is worth it.
Why are they called non-profits?
501(c)(3) non-profit organizations belong to the community. They do not exist to generate profit for the owners, like in a traditional business model.
Non-profit organizations can have savings and investment accounts, pay generous salaries, own land, and still fulfill their mission. The Executive Director and Board of Directors have a duty to ensure the non-profit is sustainable and mission-driven. In most cases, that means paying valuable grant writers well.
The average Executive Director salary in Atlanta, where I live, is $183,700. The average full-time Grant Writer is making $62,000. Freelance grant writers have the potential to earn much more.
Working for a non-profit doesn’t mean you can’t earn a very comfortable living.
Just remember, “No” is a complete sentence.
If you are asked to write grants on a commission basis, say “No.”
If you are asked to write grants for $20/hour, say “No.”
If you are asked to write grants for free until they can afford to pay you, say “No.”
Did you read the email about fees for grant writers? If not, check it out.
Grant writing is a valuable skill. The non-profit culture is to get stuff for free, and I understand that but don’t allow that to extend to your grant writing.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants