How to set your rates as a freelance grant assessor

One of the things that scared me most when I started freelance assessing was the uncertainty around my income. Going from well-paid employment to having to go out and find work myself was terrifying and I didn't know if I could do it.

As well as my fear around finding enough work, I also worried about whether assessing had enough value to bring in the income I needed.  I was so pleased when I secured my first contract for a local funder but would their fixed fee per assessment be enough to sustain my new career?

A women working at a desk

Well, 5 years on I'm here to tell you that it did, albeit it wasn't as black and white as I first thought. And, while it hasn't always been easy, I've learnt so much and become so much happier in my career because I now have more agency over my working life. 

What I've learnt is that being a freelance assessor requires a different approach to how you earn, and that being honest with yourself and understanding your own needs is integral to making it a success. Everyone is different too, so what works for one person might not for another.

A person with a calculator

Some of the things I found that worked for me include:

1. Paying myself a monthly wage, rather than when an invoice is paid which gives me consistency in income, despite fluctuations in work. Anything I earn above this, after expenses, is like a bonus at the end of the year. 

2. Planning ahead for meetings with potential funders. Considering in advance what rate I would be happy to work for and what is likely to work for them. Not being afraid to state my rate.

3. Considering different elements of a role, not just the pay. For example, how friendly the team is, what experience I can gain, if I'm likely to get a testimonial etc. These 'softer' elements can help increase income in the longer term.

Here are some more thinking points to help you set your rates;

Start with time, not money

Before you look at day rates or fees per assessment, it’s worth getting clear on how your time will actually be spent.

Ask yourself:

• How long might one assessment realistically take, including reading, scoring, writing feedback, and any admin?

• How many assessments could you comfortably complete in a day without compromising quality?

• Over a month, how much of your working time will assessment work take up?

I would also add that the roles that might appear lower paid such as a rate per assessment can sometimes work out well due to economies of scale.

An egg timer

Think monthly, not hourly

It can be more helpful to look at the big picture.

Consider:

• How much income do you need each month to pay your bills?

• What level of income actually motivates you, rather than just helps you get by?

• How many paid days do you realistically want or need to work each month?

Freelancing brings flexibility, but also uncertainty. You won’t be paid for every hour you work, and you won’t necessarily be fully booked every month. But that's where knowing your numbers and what you need really helps.  Quoting a rate that is equivalent to an employed role isn't necessarily going to be helpful because it won't cover your costs in the long run.

Recognise the value of your experience

If you have strong skills and experience in grant assessment, that is a significant asset. Assessing well is not just about reading applications quickly – it requires judgement, consistency, sector knowledge, and the ability to make fair, and reasonable decisions. Organisations aren’t just paying for your time; they’re paying for:

• Your expertise and insight

• Your ability to assess complex applications accurately

• Their confidence in the integrity of their funding decisions

It’s easy to forget this when you first go freelance, especially if you’re used to salaries rather than fees. But experience really does matter, and your rate should reflect it.

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Why charging too low doesn’t help anyone

There’s a temptation to set a low rate to “be competitive” or to secure more work. In reality, charging too little rarely benefits you.

Low rates can:

• Undermine the perceived value of skilled assessment work

• Make it harder for others to charge sustainably

• Lead to rushed assessments and poorer outcomes

Remember that grant assessment is important work.

Use salaried roles as a reference point

If you want some further assurance on what you're charging you could sense-check your rate by looking at similar employed roles. For example, you could search for grant officer or programme officer roles at community foundations and similar funders.

Look at:

• The salary range for these roles

• The level of responsibility and experience required

From there, you can roughly translate that salary into a day rate. However, it’s important to remember two things. First, as a freelancer you should always charge more than an equivalent employed day rate. You’re covering your own pension, holidays, sick leave, training, and the gaps between contracts.

Second, organisations using freelancers are not employing you in the traditional sense. They are often saving on recruitment costs, overheads, and long-term commitments. Your rate should reflect the value and flexibility you provide.

A woman conducting research

Of course, when you're first starting out it's very tempting not to question everything much and just aim for getting experience. I know I've taken that approach many times. But, when you start to find a firmer footing, the above are really useful points to consider when planning out your longer term path.

My final thought is to encourage you to err on the side of valuing your work properly. I know I have been too low in the past and whilst it's helped me secure work, I was often left with the feeling that I was being taken advantage of, which meant the contract was not sustainable for me. Decide what your sweetspot rate is and use that as a benchmark for any work you take on. 

I also want to acknowledge that freelance grant assessing is niche and that it can be hard to find work, whatever the rate.  However, I'm working to change that. I know funders need assessors and I know assessors want the work. Here's to connecting the two together and sustaining long and worthwhile freelance careers for everyone.