Your grant writing clients are hunting for shortcuts—and many are willing to pay for templates, training, and tools that save them weeks of research. As a grant writing service provider, DIY products represent a natural revenue stream that builds authority and attracts clients who later upgrade to full-service work. Here's how to build and sell them.
Why DIY Products Make Sense for Grant Writers
Grant writing services typically charge $2,000–$10,000+ per application, which puts them out of reach for many small nonprofits. By offering templates, courses, and tools at $97–$497, you capture price-sensitive prospects who may become full-service clients later—or refer better-funded organizations your way.
DIY products also run on leverage. You create a template once, then sell it 500 times without restocking or shipping. Your course scales infinitely. This diversifies revenue beyond labor-intensive consulting and establishes you as an educator, not just a vendor.
What DIY Grant Products Actually Sell
Templates and workbooks dominate the space. A nonprofit grant application checklist, foundation research spreadsheet, or funder prospect list template typically sells for $29–$79 and requires minimal ongoing support. Popular formats include Google Sheets, fillable PDFs, and simple Word docs—avoid over-engineered solutions.
Courses and mini-courses command higher prices ($197–$497) but demand real production effort. A 6–12 module self-paced course on "Writing Winning Grant Narratives" or "Finding Hidden Funding Sources" works better than a single webinar replay. Platforms like Teachable, Kajabi, or even Thinkific handle delivery, payment processing, and student access.
Software tools and calculators appeal to grant writers managing multiple clients. A grant tracker (deadline management + funder notes), budget calculator template, or prospect scoring tool ($9–$29/month SaaS, or $49–$99 one-time purchase) addresses real workflow pain.
Micro-products fill gaps fast: email templates for donor outreach ($17), a 30-minute recorded workshop ($27), or a nonprofit budget template ($19). These require almost no overhead and sell at high volume.
Building Products That Sell
Start with your own repeatable work. What instructions do you give every client? What template do you use for every grant? What questions come up in every initial consultation? That's your first product.
Test demand before building. Mention your template idea in a client email or social post—even "coming soon" presales validate the concept. If three nonprofits ask for it within a month, it's worth building.
Price realistically. A 10-page template isn't worth $149; it's worth $39–$59. A comprehensive course with weekly office hours, worksheets, and feedback isn't worth $79; it's $297–$497. Nonprofits know their budgets are tight—respect that without underpricing yourself into unsustainable territory.
Distribution and Sales Channels
Listing on platforms like Mercoly helps grant writing service providers get discovered by nonprofits actively searching for solutions, win qualified leads, and sell both services and products in one trusted location. But don't stop there.
Host products on your own website with Gumroad, SendOwl, or Podia (easier than building a custom eCommerce site). Use email sequences to sell—a simple 3-email launch campaign to your list typically converts 2–5% of subscribers.
Target Facebook groups for nonprofit professionals. A tactful post ("I created a template that cuts 80% of the research time—link in comments if interested") often drives $500–$2,000 in first-week sales if your group reputation is solid.
Sell via your email signature. Include "Free resource: Download our Grant Deadlines Tracker" with a link that captures emails, then follow up with your product catalog.
Pricing and Revenue Reality
A $39 template sold to 50 nonprofits = $1,950 gross (minus payment processing at ~3%, so ~$1,890 net). A $297 course with 10 enrollments per month = $2,970/month recurring. Combined with full-service grants ($5,000–$15,000 per engagement), you're looking at $5,000–$20,000+ in monthly revenue once products mature.
Most established grant writers see DIY products account for 15–30% of annual revenue within 12–18 months of launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to create a course that actually sells? Plan 60–100 hours for a solid 10-module course (30–60 minutes per module, plus editing and setup). Expect 2–3 months if working part-time alongside client work.
Q: Should I offer refunds on digital products? Yes—30 days no-questions-asked builds trust with nonprofits unfamiliar with your work and increases conversion. Only 2–3% typically request refunds.
Q: Can I sell the same template to competing grant writers? Absolutely. Most successful grant writers sell to other grant writers, not just nonprofits directly. This market is less price-sensitive and often pays 2–3x more for B2B tools.
List your grant writing services and first DIY product on Mercoly to reach nonprofits and professionals actively seeking solutions.