8 Grant Writing Business Success Stories [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: November 19th, 2023

Start A Grant Writing Business

Starting a grant writing business is a fantastic idea for those skilled in research and writing. This business involves helping organizations, non-profits, and individuals secure funding from various sources, such as government agencies, foundations, and corporations.

To start a grant writing business, you will need to have excellent research skills and be able to write well. You should also understand the grant application process and be able to communicate the needs and goals of your clients effectively.

One of the critical components of running a successful grant-writing business is building a solid network of connections. This includes developing relationships with funding sources, organizations, and individuals needing grant funding.

You must invest in some essential equipment and resources to get started. This includes a computer, printer, office supplies, and a website to showcase your services. You may also want to consider investing in grant writing software to streamline the process and make it easier to keep track of your projects.

As a grant-writing business owner, you will be responsible for researching potential funding sources, writing grant proposals, and working closely with your clients to ensure their successful grant applications. You can build a successful and rewarding business with hard work and dedication, helping others secure the funding they need to achieve their goals.

Here are some real life success stories of starting a grant writing business:

1. Content-Whale Private Limited ($750K/year)

Vaibhav Kishnani, an engineer turned writer, came up with the idea for Content-Whale after noticing the unprofessional conduct in the Indian content market. With just Rs. 2,500 ($35) in capital, he started the content agency which now generates a revenue turnover of Rs. 4 crores ($514,000) and serves clients like Quikr and The Boston Consulting Group.

How much they make: $750K/year
How much did it cost to start: $35
Current team size: 30

How We Started A $514K/Year Content Curation Agency With Just $35 [From India]

Content-Whale, a content curation agency, has achieved a Rs. 4 crore ($514k/year) turnover 4-5 years after being started with just Rs. 2500 ($35), and has a pool of more than 500 writers, aiming to become a market leader in the global content market.

About

Vaibhav started Content-Whale Private Limited almost 7 years ago

Revenue

Vaibhav grew the business to $62.5K/month

Costs

It cost Vaibhav $35 to start the business

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Starting A Grant Writing Business: Everything You Need To Know

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So... can you actually make money with a grant writing business?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

Start Now

2. Thornton & Lowe ($2.16M/year)

At the age of 23, Dave Thornton founded Thornton & Lowe, a bid writing and management consultancy. After gaining experience in the housing industry and realizing the need for smaller businesses to improve their bid skills, Thornton decided to start his own company. Now, 10 years later, Thornton & Lowe has helped clients win billions of contracts and has achieved impressive milestones such as sales of over $130,000 per month and a win rate of over 75% on tenders.

How much they make: $2.16M/year
How much did it cost to start: $250
Current team size: 28

How I Started A $130K/Month Business Selling Bid Writing Services

Learn how a UK-based bid writing and management consultancy grew to sales over $130,000 per month by focusing on their niche market and providing exceptional customer service to clients ranging from startups to multinationals.

About

Dave started Thornton & Lowe over 14 years ago

Revenue

Dave grew the business to $180K/month

Costs

It cost Dave $250 to start the business

Read this case study

Read by 7,413 founders

5. GrantWatch

Find Nonprofit Grants and Small-Business Grants for your Community or Religious Organization, 501c3, NGO, School, University or Municipality on GrantWatch

Where they're located: Jacksonville, Florida, USA
Website traffic: 260K/month

So... can you actually make money with a grant writing business?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

Start Now

7. Candid

Candid connects people who want to change the world to the resources they need to do it. In 2019, Foundation Center and GuideStar joined forces to become Candid.

Where they're located: San Francisco, California, USA
Website traffic: 210K/month

8. Grant Writers For Hire

Looking for a grant writing professional? Our Grant Writer Team members provide a variety of services that bring new funding to their clients' organizations.

Where they're located: Sacramento, California, United States