Find non-dilutive funding with ease using Scout’s matching functionality.
Free
No success fee.
Effortlessly write unlimited proposals using templates crafted by expert proposal writers.
$ 500/month
Success fee per proposal: 3%
For teams and organizations that need custom and robust services from our expert grant writers and reviewers.
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Success fee per proposal: contact us
Effortlessly write SBIR proposals with the help of templates crafted in collaboration with
industry-leading Grant Writing Experts. It's clear, section-by-section guidance!
Plus, invite unlimited project members to collaborate.
Compare the average costs charged by expert grant writers for different types of grants and their average time to write.
| Grant Type | Average Cost (Flat Rate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small Grants (e.g., <$50K) | $1,500-$5,000 | Often for local, state, or private foundations. |
| Federal Grants (e.g., SBIR, NIH, DOE) | $5,000–$20,000 | Pricing depends on agency, phase, and technical complexity. |
| Retainers/Hourly Rates | $75–$200/hr | Some writers offer retainer or hourly billing instead of flat rates. |
| Success-based Pricing | 3%–10% of award (less common) | Often used only for non-federal grants due to ethics restrictions. |
Average Cost: $1,500-$5,000
Often for local, state, or private foundations.
Average Cost: $5,000–$20,000
Pricing depends on agency, phase, and technical complexity.
Average Cost: $75–$200/hr
Some writers offer retainer or hourly billing instead of flat rates.
3%–10% of award (less common)
Often used only for non-federal grants due to ethics restrictions.
| Grant Type | Average Time to Write | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small Foundation or Local Grants | 10–30 hours | 5-10 pages max; simpler application process. |
| State-level Grants | 30–60 hours | More detailed than local, often requires budget and outcomes. |
| Federal SBIR/STTR (Phase 1) | 80–150+ hours | Includes technical narrative, budget, biosketches, commercialization and more. |
| NIH, DOE, or NSF Complex Grants | 120–200+ hours | Involves deep technical writing, multiple collaborators and revisions. |
Average time to write: 10–30 hours
5-10 pages max; simpler application process.
Average time to write: 30–60 hours
More detailed than local, often requires budget and outcomes.
Average time to write: 80–150+ hours
Includes technical narrative, budget, biosketches, commercialization and more.
Average time to write: 120–200+ hours
Involves deep technical writing, multiple collaborators and revisions.
Founder & CEO — Rubi Laboratories
Scout made it so easy to prepare multiple high-quality SBIR applications in parallel while also bringing significant expertise as a team to improving and submitting our proposal! Their platform is a game-changer. They're a fantastic team to work with and we're exciting to continue our partnership.
Head of Product — Renewal Bio
Throughout the process, they were professional, responsive and highly engaged. I especially appreciated their flexibility and willingness to adapt when we wanted to shift directions or revise the plan. Their guidance and support made the grant writing process much smoother, and we always felt we were in good hands. Overall, it was a very positive experience, and I would be happy to work together again in the future.
CEO — Elementium Materials
Great customer support. They drove it from start to finish, helping us through a number of unexpected hurdles. Really great to have in our corner and look forward to working with them again in the future!
SVP Product and Strategic Grwoth - Ettitude
This was our first time applying for an SBIR Phase 1 Grant and the SCOUT team was critical to successfully filing on time with all of the necessary requirements. They not only helped us navigate the process but also provided valuable expertise and guidance specific to our project. The team kept us on track for every milestone and drove the project to completion in an extremely organized manor. We look forward to working with them again on additional grant opportunities.
Founder & CTO — Fourth Power
From developing a clear strategy to drafting and submitting the proposal, they guided us every step of the way with incredible expertise and dedication.
Executive Director — OrthoCarolina Research Institute
As the leader of a small non-profit, our resources are often stretched. The Scout Team has helped push multiple heavy lift grant applications over the finish line. They have provided excellent guidance and direction and continue to meet our organization and align their support with our organizational needs.
Co-founder — Axolo Med
We approached Scout to learn how we could improve our first NIH STTR Phase I submission which was not scored/rejected. I was impressed how they quickly turned around a stronger, more rigorous proposal.
Founder & CEO — Resilient Reach Inc.
As a startup navigating the NIH SBIR Phase I proposal process, Scout was an absolute game-changer for us, they provided expert guidance on strategy, handled the preparation of all drafts and organized the supporting documents, making the submission process seamless. Their attention to detail and proactive approach saved us countless hours and ensured we put forth the strongest possible proposal.
Founder & CEO - Purpuratus
This was our first time applying for a grant, and the Scout team was INVALUABLE. They helped us from square 0 -> submission of our SBIR Phase 1 proposal with the NSF. They provided help with pre-application, criteria screening, application writing and proofreading, material preparation, and submission.
Co-founder & CSO — Immutiverse Inc.
They lead and prepared drafts, organizing supporting documents, and ensuring a smooth submission. Their expertise and hands-on approach turned what felt like an insurmountable task into a well-managed process.
Founder & CEO — Kipo.ai
At Kipo, we're a deeply technical team, but navigating the complexities of grant funding was a significant challenge for us. Working with Scout made the process seamless. They wrote a DLA SBIR Phase I Grant for us in under three weeks and several more after. Scout was amazing in not only writing the grant but also guiding us through the entire process of getting letters of recommendations, completing the budget and submitting the grant. I'll be continuing to work with the Scout team!
Founder & CEO — TAGCarts, Inc.
They've helped us prepare a solid NIH SBIR Phase I proposal to bring our innovative healthcare solutions to life. Their expertise and guidance throughout the process made all the difference. Well done Scout and thank you!