Freelance grant writing offers flexibility, independence, and the chance to work with a range of non-profits and organisations. But one common question comes up for anyone considering this career path: how much can you make? The answer depends on several factors, from your goals and experience to your location and the services you offer. Let’s break it down step by step so you can get a clearer picture of what to expect in freelance grant writing.

Is It About How Much They Make or How Much You Can Make?

Before we dive into numbers, take a moment to think about the real question here. It’s less about how much freelance grant writers in general earn and more about how much you can earn in this field. Your circumstances, effort, and approach make all the difference.

Are you asking, “What do others make?” or is the real question, “What can I achieve?” When you shift the focus to yourself, you’ll see the flexibility and potential of freelance grant writing.

There’s No Ceiling on Freelance Income

Here’s something freeing: there’s no set limit to how much you can make as a freelance grant writer. Many people mistakenly put a mental “cap” on their earnings, thinking they can only make up to a certain amount. But in freelancing, your income depends on your rates, workload, and ability to market yourself effectively—not on someone else’s rules.

If you’re concerned about reaching a certain income level, take a step back and rethink that ceiling. It doesn’t exist. Freelancing rewards effort, skill, and determination.

Define Your Goals First

Your income potential is tied directly to your goals. Are you freelancing part-time for extra income? Are you transitioning out of a full-time job and aiming to replace your salary? Or is your goal to build a business that supports your long-term ambitions, like retirement savings or scaling to a team?

Side Hustle vs. Full-Time Career

If you’re looking at freelancing as a side hustle, you might do one or two projects a month and enjoy supplementary income. But if you’re going all-in, you’ll need to focus on finding consistent clients, managing higher work volumes, and meeting your financial needs, including benefits like retirement and health insurance.

Start with Numbers in Mind

Your goals should reflect your financial needs. Write down these numbers: how much do you need to cover monthly expenses? What’s your ideal yearly income? Once you know these figures, you can calculate how many clients or projects you’ll need to hit those targets.

Experience Matters—But It’s Not All About Years

When setting your rates as a grant writer, experience plays a big role. But it’s not just about how many years you’ve been in the field—it’s about the quality of your experience and results.

It’s About Depth, Not Just Time

Clients value results. Have you written several successful grants? Have you reviewed or managed grant applications? Quality matters more than just how long you’ve been at it. For instance, a writer with one year of experience and a high success rate may charge more than someone with ten years of experience but fewer results.

Building Experience as a Beginner

New to freelancing? You can still charge for your work. Volunteer, intern, or write small grants to get hands-on experience. Take courses or certifications to learn best practices. To boost credibility, partner with seasoned writers who can review or mentor you—this collaboration can justify higher rates even as you build your portfolio.

Don’t Stop Raising Your Rates

A common mistake among experienced writers is freezing their rates once they hit a comfortable level. Your expertise grows with each new project, so don’t hesitate to reassess and raise your rates annually or after major achievements. Charge what you’re worth.

How Location Affects Your Earnings

Geography can also influence what you earn, though this is becoming less significant with remote freelance work.

Local Rates and Market Conditions

If you’re targeting clients in your local area, take a look at labour rates for professional services. Your local Department of Labour website can provide insight into what consultants, bookkeepers, or accountants charge. Keep in mind these are usually based on salaries, so as a freelancer, you’ll need to account for extra expenses.

Working Remotely Expands Your Reach

Freelancing online opens up national and global opportunities. You can charge rates that align with your expertise rather than being tied to what’s common in your local market. However, online rates can vary widely, so focus on your unique skills and deliverables rather than just copying what others charge.

Build Local and Online Relationships

For geographical clients, networking with local consultants can help you understand the market. If you’re online, research other grant writers’ rates but use them only as inspiration to set your own pricing confidently.

Services You Offer Influence Your Rates

What services you provide as a grant writer will directly impact how much you can make. Different tasks command different fees.

Foundation vs. Federal Grants

Writing foundation grants might bring in £2,000 per project, while federal grant proposals could go for £12,000 or more. Federal grants require more expertise, so you can charge a premium. You might choose to specialise or mix these services to balance workload and income.

Workshops, Training, and Products

Custom services like in-person training sessions can command higher fees than simple grant writing. Alternatively, creating online courses or resources allows for passive income—but at lower upfront rates. Think about the mix of services that best matches your skills and scale expectations.

Tailor Services to Raise Income

Customisation is key. If you deliver detailed grant strategies or offer ongoing consulting, you can charge higher fees than for basic writing services. Clients pay for the value and expertise you bring.

Confidence Is Key in Pricing

Many freelancers undercharge, especially women, who make up 67% of freelance grant writers. Confidence greatly influences how much you feel comfortable asking for—and how much clients are willing to pay.

Breaking Free of Limiting Beliefs

If you’re uncomfortable pricing your services, consider why. Societal norms and personal insecurities often make freelancers fear rejection when asking for high rates. But high-quality clients understand the value you bring and are willing to pay competitive rates.

Build Confidence in Pricing

To develop confidence, join communities that encourage open discussions about pricing. Surround yourself with peers who are achieving their goals—it’s easier to feel confident when you see others succeeding at higher rates. Start testing higher fees with smaller contracts to see the response.

Don’t Forget Your Expenses

It’s easy to focus on your earnings without considering expenses. But what you pocket at the end of the day is what really matters.

Common Freelance Expenses

• Taxes: Set aside 25% of all income for tax purposes.
• Insurance and Retirement: Plan for health insurance and pensions yourself.
• Software and Tools: These include grant management platforms, internet, email, and scheduling tools.
• Office Costs: Include home office setups or rented space.
• Professional Development: Courses, mentorships, or conferences to grow your expertise.

Know Your Net Income

If you land a £10,000 contract but have £4,000 in expenses, your actual profit is £6,000. Regularly track and review expenses to ensure you’re running a profitable business.

The Sky’s the Limit

Freelance grant writing offers limitless potential. Your earnings depend on your goals, experience, services, confidence, and ability to manage expenses. Whether you’re aiming for a side hustle or a full-time business, the key is to constantly refine your approach.

Are you a freelance grant writer? Share your experience with rates and earnings in the comments. Let’s help each other grow and succeed!