This is a question that the DGC team gets asked a lot. The simple answer is we do not work on a percentage or contingency because it is unethical. Most funders will look down on a large or even a tiny percentage allocated in the grant budget for any grant writing or reporting services. Some consultants try to resolve this issue by adding a general line item in a grant budget titled Consulting Services, which sounds great. But we have been doing this work for almost 15 years, and most funders are incredibly savvy. They will follow up to ask what type of consulting services you are considering paying for, and all funders want their investment to go to programs and services, not the pre-development costs of proposals. Grantors would always prefer to support the actual program and the people on the ground making the magic happen, not a consultant/grant writer.
Also, according to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) code of ethics standards, all members have to agree to the following, “not accept compensation or enter into a contract that is based on a percentage of contributions; nor shall members accept finder’s fees or contingent fees; be permitted to accept performance-based compensation, such as bonuses, only if such bonuses are in accord with prevailing practices within the members’ organizations and are not based on a percentage of contributions….”
We are members of AFP, and we uphold these values because it is the very best practice for our clients, and it will give your grant proposal the best chance of receiving an award. That is why we work to a fixed fee or an agreed-upon hourly fee with a monthly maximum or retainer.
Please do not ask us to work on a percentage of a grant award or for free contingent on a grant award. The team at DCG is highly qualified, and we spend days, weeks, and sometimes months researching and writing your proposal. You will have access to all of this work once it is complete. Please be prepared to pay for all written work and materials provided to your organization by the DGC team.
