First-Time Applicant? Six Questions to Ask Before You Pay Anyone

The grant-consulting market has a wide quality range. If you are a first-time applicant engaging a service for the first time, the following six questions will help you tell a serious professional from a salesperson in a suit.

Question one — what is the scope, in writing? Any service offering serious work will issue a written engagement letter describing deliverables, timeline, fees and responsibilities before you pay. Vague verbal promises are a red flag.

Question two — what are the fees, and how are they calculated? Professional fees are paid for the work performed, not contingent on a funding outcome. Ask for the rate basis (fixed, percentage, hybrid) and the trigger for each invoice.

Question three — who does the work? You should know the named consultant on your engagement. If the answer is vague ('our team'), ask for the specific person and their relevant experience.

Question four — what is the funder relationship? The service supports your application — it is not the funder, does not represent the funder, and cannot guarantee an award. If a service claims otherwise, walk away.

Question five — how are refunds handled? You should be able to see the cancellation and refund policy in writing before you sign anything.

Question six — how is your data handled? Confidentiality, document storage and data retention should all be in the engagement letter or in a referenced privacy policy.