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How Long Does It Take to Write a Grant?

How Long Does It Take to Write a Grant? Timeline + Productivity Tips

When you’re ready to apply for funding, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: “How long does it take to write a grant?” The truth is, there’s no single answer. The time required to write a grant depends on factors like complexity, funder requirements, your experience level, and whether you’re working solo or with a team.

In this post, we break down a typical grant writing timeline and share proven productivity tips to help you get it done faster—without compromising on quality.

How Long Does It Actually Take to Write a Grant?

On average, writing a high-quality grant proposal takes 15–40 hours spread across several days or weeks. However, the timeline can vary based on:

Here’s a general breakdown of grant writing time by complexity:

Grant Type	Estimated Time to Write
Small Foundation Grant (5–10 pages)	15–25 hours
Corporate Funding Proposal	20–30 hours
Government Grant (25+ pages)	40–80+ hours
Individual or Personal Grants	10–20 hours
Nonprofit Multi-Program Proposal	50–100+ hours

Step-by-Step Grant Writing Timeline

Step 1: Research the Grant Opportunity (2–4 hours)

Tip: Use a grant tracker spreadsheet to manage multiple deadlines and organize required documents.

Step 2: Gather Background Information (2–5 hours)

A winning grant proposal presents a well-researched and urgent need for the project. This should be backed by:

Pro tip: Save time by maintaining a repository of standard grant documents and organizational assets.

Step 3: Outline the Proposal Structure (1–2 hours)

This helps prevent missed sections and ensures you meet formatting and submission guidelines.

Step 4: Write the First Draft (10–20 hours)

This is the most time-consuming step. A good proposal includes:

Tip: Write in clear, concise language. Avoid jargon unless the funder uses it themselves.

Step 5: Review, Edit & Refine (3–8 hours)

Step 6: Get Feedback (2–3 hours)

Step 7: Submit the Application (1–2 hours)

Grant Writing Timeline Example

Here’s a sample 2-week timeline if you’re working solo and applying for a foundation grant:

Day	Task
Day 1	Research funder and collect documents
Day 2	Draft proposal outline
Day 3–5	Write main proposal sections
Day 6	Develop budget and evaluation plan
Day 7–8	First full draft + internal review
Day 9	Incorporate edits
Day 10	Final review and polish
Day 11	Submit the grant application

5 Productivity Tips for Grant Writers

If you want to save time without sacrificing quality, try these grant writing productivity tips:

1. Use a Grant Template

Maintain a general template with your org’s mission, goals, and impact stats. Customize it for each funder, but don’t reinvent the wheel every time.

2. Start Early

Give yourself at least 2–4 weeks before the deadline. Starting early reduces stress and increases the quality of your proposal.

3. Use AI and Writing Tools

Tools like Grammarly, ChatGPT, or Hemingway can help improve tone, structure, and clarity—fast.

4. Collaborate Strategically

Assign team members to write, review, and fact-check specific sections. Set internal deadlines to avoid last-minute chaos.

5. Build a Grant Toolkit

Keep a folder with:

Your IRS determination letter (for nonprofits)
Organization mission and vision statements
Financials and budgets
Resumes and bios
Standard proposal language

Conclusion

So, how long does it take to write a grant? The answer is: it depends—but with smart planning and the right tools, you can write a powerful, customized proposal in 15 to 40 hours.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, treating grant writing as a structured process helps you save time, increase focus, and boost your success rate.

Need Help Writing a Grant Proposal That Stands Out?

We offer professional grant writing services for nonprofits, startups, individuals, and small businesses. From crafting compelling narratives to perfecting budgets—we handle it all.

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