Grant Writing
Grant writing,
backed by 10.7M grants of data.
We built the dataset that ranks 177,000 foundations. Now we apply it to the proposals.
Why we offer this
GrantLedger started as a research tool. Then our Funding Blueprint customers started asking the obvious next question: can you write the proposals too? You are already showing us which foundations to apply to.
So we said yes, on a small scale, for select customers. The same dataset that powers GrantLedger Pro now sits underneath every proposal we write.
What an engagement looks like
Funder Selection
We start by matching your organization against 177,000 foundations using our 10.7M-grant database. We deep-research the top fits and deliver a ranked shortlist of funders for your approval. The shortlist drives every question on your intake call.
Intake
Using your foundation portfolio, we ask precise questions designed to surface exactly what we need to write tailored grant applications for each shortlisted funder. 90-minute call. No generic templates, no wasted detail.
Drafting
All narratives, attachments, and portal answers written by our team. You review key drafts before submission. We absorb the eligibility-research and verbatim-question harvesting that swallow most grant writing time.
Portal Management & Submission
We register accounts, track every deadline, and submit. Some funders require an executive-director login for the final click; in that case we hand off a fully-prepared application with a checklist. Post-submission follow-ups handled until decision.
Who this is for
Right fit
- •501(c)(3) status for 2 or more years
- •Annual operating budget of $250,000 or more
- •Clear program model and basic financial documentation
- •Open to a 12-week engagement cycle per funder pool
Not the right fit
- •Brand-new organization (less than 2 years 501(c)(3))
- •Pursuing one-off federal grants without internal infrastructure
- •Need a turnaround under 4 weeks
Pricing
Two engagement tiers. Both cover a 12-month engagement: intake, funder selection, drafting, portal management, and submission.
Engagement begins with a written Funding Blueprint and Grant Plan, then we write and submit. For nonprofits with budget for upfront research.
Performance-only. We absorb research and execution costs and earn only on awarded grants. We have full discretion on which grants to pursue.
Quote on request after intake.
The data underneath
The same IRS dataset that powers GrantLedger Pro is the foundation for every proposal we write. You can browse it yourself.
Common questions
How much does grant writing cost in 2026?
Industry pricing for foundation proposals typically ranges from $2,500 to $20,000 per proposal depending on complexity, with retainers running $1,500 to $3,000 per month. Hourly rates run $50 to $300 depending on experience. GrantLedger offers two engagement tiers: Standard ($6,000 + 10% success fee) and Contingent ($0 upfront + 22.5% success fee).
How long does grant writing take?
A typical foundation engagement runs 8 to 12 weeks per cycle: intake, funder selection, drafting, and portal management plus submission. Federal grants take longer. Decision timelines from foundations are usually 60 to 180 days after submission.
Do you work on contingency?
Yes. Our Contingent tier is $0 upfront and 22.5% of any awarded grant. The Standard tier is $6,000 upfront plus a 10% success fee. The Contingent tier is for nonprofits without budget for upfront fundraising costs; we absorb the research and execution risk in exchange for a higher percentage.
How is GrantLedger different from a traditional grant writing firm?
GrantLedger started as a 990-data research platform; full-service grant writing is an adjacent service for our existing customers. Every engagement starts with the same 10.7M-grant dataset that powers GrantLedger Pro and Funding Blueprints. Funders are selected from the data, not from a Rolodex.
What's included in an engagement?
Funder shortlist with eligibility ruling, intake call (calibrated to the shortlist), deep portal harvest of every required attachment, drafting of all narratives, portal management, and submission. We also handle the post-submission follow-up cadence.
Do you submit applications, or just draft them?
We draft, manage portal accounts, and submit. Some funders require the executive director to log in for the final click; in that case we hand off a fully-prepared application with checklist.
What size nonprofit is this designed for?
Best fit: 501(c)(3) status for 2 or more years, annual operating budget of $250,000 or more, and a clear program model. We are not the right fit for brand-new organizations or one-off federal applications without internal infrastructure.
How do you select funders for an engagement?
We start with the 10.7M-grant database and filter against your mission, geography, and grant size needs. Then we apply eligibility rules and remove funders with closed-door giving patterns. The shortlist is delivered before drafting begins so you can approve direction.
Tell us about your project
Inquiries go to Jake directly. We respond within two business days.