Grant Writing Pricing Models Explained: Hourly, Package & Retainer
LISTEN TO THE Grant Writing & Funding Podcast
July 15, 2025
In this episode Holly delves into the various pricing models for freelance grant writers, emphasizing the importance of tracking time to accurately estimate pricing. She discusses the drawbacks of charging on commission and explains why it is against best practices.
Holly presents three core pricing models: hourly, package, and retainer, outlining the pros and cons of each. She shares tips on setting up effective retainer agreements for consistent cash flow and highlights the importance of valuing one’s services.
This episode is a comprehensive guide for grant writers looking to optimize their pricing strategies.
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Holly Rustick is a world-renowned grant writing expert and Amazon bestselling author.
Holly has been coaching grant writers how to run successful 5-6 figure businesses since 2017.
With two decades of grant writing and nonprofit experience, Holly is a popular keynote speaker for events all over the world, podcast host of the Top-Ranked Grant Writing podcast, a former university instructor, and is past president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce. She is constantly booked out to run trainings to help grant writers grow capacity, increase funding, and advance mission.
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