Let’s talk about one of the most common—and surprisingly risky—questions I hear: “Can I just pay a grant writer a percentage of the grant if we win?”
Short answer? No.
Long answer? Pull up a chair, because this is important.
Why Paying a Grant Writer a Percentage Is a Big No
Paying a grant writer a percentage of the awarded funds (often called a contingency fee) isn’t just frowned upon—it’s widely considered unethical. Major professional organizations like the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) explicitly forbid this in their codes of ethics.
Grant funding is meant to support programs and communities, not to function as a commission-based payday.
The Real Risk: Losing the Grant Altogether
Here’s the part many people don’t realize: using grant funds to pay a commission can actually cause a funder to revoke the award. Many foundations and government agencies require full transparency. If they discover funds are being used for a success-based payment, it can be seen as a misuse of funds and damage your organization’s credibility for years to come.
How Grant Writers Are Actually Paid
Notice the common thread? Payment is based on the work performed—not the outcome.
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