Grant-writing services proposal: Free template

Customize this free grant-writing services proposal with Cobrief

Open this free grant-writing services proposal in Cobrief and start editing it instantly using AI. You can adjust the tone, structure, and content based on the organization type, grant size, and funding goals. You can also use AI to review your draft — spot gaps, tighten language, and improve clarity before sending.

Once you're done, send, download, or save the proposal in one click — no formatting or setup required.

This template is fully customizable and built for real-world use — ideal for pitching grant support services to nonprofits, schools, healthcare providers, municipalities, or research teams. Whether you’re preparing competitive applications or helping clients find the right funding opportunities, this version gives you a structured head start and removes the guesswork.

What is a grant-writing services proposal?

A grant-writing services proposal outlines your plan to research, write, and prepare grant applications on behalf of a client. It typically includes the funding scope, deliverables, application stages, timeline, and pricing.

This type of proposal is commonly used:

• When organizations lack internal grant-writing expertise or capacity
• To improve the success rate of competitive applications
• To outsource writing, budgeting, compliance, or formatting tasks

It helps the client stay focused on program delivery while you manage the complexity of the grant process.

A strong proposal helps you:

• Clarify how you’ll match the project with funder goals and eligibility
• Break down the writing, submission, and review process step by step
• Show how your experience improves funding outcomes
• Set expectations on collaboration, revisions, and deadlines

Why use Cobrief to edit your proposal

Cobrief helps you build and refine this proposal quickly — with AI-powered editing and clean formatting built in.

• Edit the proposal directly in your browser: Skip the formatting struggle and start customizing instantly.
• Rewrite sections with AI: Adapt your messaging for arts orgs, healthcare nonprofits, schools, or startups in one click.
• Run a one-click AI review: Let AI flag vague deliverables, unclear pricing, or missed milestones.
• Apply AI suggestions instantly: Accept edits one by one or update the full proposal at once.
• Share or export instantly: Send your proposal through Cobrief or download a clean PDF or DOCX to deliver.

You’ll spend less time editing and more time closing contracts.

When to use this proposal

Use this grant-writing services proposal when:

• Quoting services for nonprofit, education, research, or community-based grants
• Offering support for one-time applications, multi-year projects, or grant pipelines
• Responding to RFPs for federal, state, or foundation funding
• Proposing research, strategy, and submission as a bundled service
• Supporting organizations preparing for recurring or high-value grant cycles

It’s especially useful when the client needs a complete, turnkey service to stay competitive.

What to include in a grant-writing services proposal

Use this template to walk the client through what you’ll deliver, how the process works, and what they can expect at each stage.

• Project overview: Summarize the funding opportunity or goal (e.g., $500K for youth services, NIH research grant, rural broadband initiative) and how your services align.
• Scope of work: Define what’s included — research, funder matching, drafting, budgeting, revisions, form completion, and submission.
• Application stages: Outline the phases — funder discovery, project scoping, narrative development, budgeting, compliance checks, and submission prep.
• Collaboration process: Clarify who provides what — program data, letters of support, financials — and how you’ll manage edits or feedback.
• Timeline and milestones: Break the work into key deadlines — draft dates, internal review, submission, and optional post-submission support.
• Experience and results: Briefly share your relevant track record — industries, funders, approval rates, or example wins.
• Pricing: Present a clear fee model — flat project rate, hourly retainer, or per application. List any add-ons like prospect research or long-term planning.
• Next steps: End with a clear CTA — such as confirming the grant opportunity, reviewing a funding calendar, or scheduling a kickoff meeting.

How to write an effective grant-writing services proposal

This proposal should feel capable, collaborative, and outcome-focused — especially for mission-driven or time-strapped clients.

• Lead with clarity: Break down the full process to show you’re organized, not vague or generic.
• Tailor the tone: Adjust language for small nonprofits, research institutions, or fast-moving startups.
• Emphasize alignment: Show how your writing and strategy are grounded in the funder’s language and priorities.
• Reduce stress: Reassure the client that you’ll handle logistics and formatting so they can focus on content input.
• Be transparent about pricing: Avoid confusion with a clear fee model and timeline.
• Close with momentum: Offer a simple, clear step to move forward without delay.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.