How grant writing retainers work
Grant writing retainers operate through an ongoing contract between a grant-eligible organization and a professional grant writing company. These agreements typically cover a full suite of services, including grant prospect research, proposal writing, and grants management.
In this guide, we’ll discuss how grant writing retainers work, and whether they are the right choice for your organization.
What is a grant writing retainer?
A grant writing retainer is a contractual arrangement where a client (such as a nonprofit or business) pays a professional grant writer or agency a recurring fee—typically on a monthly basis—for ongoing grant-related services. This ensures consistent support and an opportunity to develop a long-lasting relationship with a grant writer.
Beyond writing, these retainers also enable the development of a comprehensive strategy for identifying, applying for, and managing grants. Grant writing retainers are thus ideal for organizations with recurring funding needs or ambitious growth goals.
What services are included in a grant writing retainer?
Grant writing retainers typically cover a variety of services tailored to the client’s goals, including:
- Grant prospect research: Identifying funding opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission
- Grant writing: Crafting compelling and well-structured proposals
- Grant submission: Managing application submissions, ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete
- Post-award reporting: Assisting with progress reports and maintaining funder relationships
- Strategic planning: Developing a roadmap for grant-seeking efforts aligned with organizational goals
- Consultation: Offering advice on budgets, program descriptions, and overall grant readiness
Benefits of a grant writing retainer
A grant writing retainer offers several advantages:
- Consistent support: Your organization always has a dedicated professional focused on securing funding.
- Tailored strategy: With a retainer, your grant writer develops a deeper understanding of your organization’s mission, leading to more personalized and effective proposals.
- Cost efficiency: Because it can be tailored to your needs, a grant writing retainer is often less expensive than hiring an in-house employee.
- Time savings: Professional support frees your team to focus on programs, other fundraising activities, and administration..
- Improved success rates: With strategy and refinement, grant applications are of higher quality, increasing the chances of success.
How does a grant writing retainer work?
The retainership process typically follows these steps:
- Initial agreement: A contract defines the scope of services, payment structure, and deliverables.
- Payment schedule: Clients pay a recurring fee—usually monthly—for the agreed services.
- Ongoing collaboration: Regular check-ins ensure alignment with funding goals and keep the organization informed of progress.
- Adjustments: The scope of work can evolve based on the organization’s changing needs.
Does your organization need a grant writing retainer?
A grant writing retainer might be suitable if:
- You have recurring or large-scale funding needs
- Your organization lacks in-house expertise in grant writing
- Your team struggles to meet grant deadlines or reporting requirements
- You want to improve your success rate with professional support
If any of these challenges sound familiar, explore our grant writing services to see how we can help.
Making grant writing retainers work for you
Grant writing retainers are more than a service—they are a partnership. By investing in a retainer, you commit to a strategic approach to secure funding that supports your mission and growth.
At Professional Grant Writers, we design customized retainers tailored to your organization’s needs. Whether you’re new to grant writing or seeking to refine your approach, our team is here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about how our services can support your funding goals.
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