Securing funding is the lifeblood of many organisations, from charities to growing businesses. But when it comes to writing grant applications, should you hire an in-house bid writer or use Fundin.ai?
Hiring a dedicated bid writer may seem like the logical choice, but is it the most efficient and cost-effective solution? Let’s compare the two options and see why Fundin might just be the smarter way to secure funding.
The In-House Route: Control, but at a Cost
Many organisations believe that having an in-house bid writer is the best way to ensure quality and consistency in their applications. However, there are some significant downsides to this approach.
1. High Costs
An in-house bid writer doesn’t come cheap. Salaries for bid writers typically range from £30,000 to £45,000 per year, and that’s before factoring in additional costs like pensions, insurance, and software tools.
On top of that, organisations need to budget for recruitment costs, onboarding, and ongoing professional development to keep their bid writer up to date with funding trends. If the bid writer doesn’t perform as expected, replacing them can be time-consuming and expensive.
2. Time-Consuming Recruitment and Onboarding
Finding the right bid writer takes time. The recruitment process can take 2-3 months (or more), followed by an onboarding period where they learn about the organisation, its funding needs, and internal processes. This means a delay before any bids can even be submitted.
3. Limited Capacity
An in-house bid writer is just one person. Their workload is limited by the number of applications they can write, and during peak funding periods, they may struggle to keep up with demand. If they take leave or fall ill, funding opportunities could be missed altogether.
4. Inconsistent Results
Quality depends entirely on the individual. Even a great bid writer will have ups and downs, and if they lack experience in certain funding areas, applications might not be as competitive as they could be.
5. Manual Processes and Lack of Tech Integration
Many in-house bid writers rely on traditional research methods and manual writing processes. Without access to AI-powered tools and grant-matching technology, they may take longer to identify and apply for the most relevant funding opportunities.
The Fundin Advantage: Cost-Effective, Scalable, and Reliable
Now, let’s look at how Fundin.ai provides a more flexible, affordable, and scalable alternative to hiring in-house.
1. Lower Costs, Higher Value
Instead of paying a full-time salary plus benefits, Fundin offers a low monthly fee and a success-based pricing model. This means organisations only pay a percentage if they secure funding, keeping costs manageable and results-driven.
For example, a Fundin subscription starts at just £299 per month, covering multiple applications. Compared to an in-house salary of £30,000+ per year, the savings are substantial.
2. Immediate Access – No Hiring Delays
With Fundin, there’s no need to spend months recruiting and onboarding a new employee. Organisations can start submitting bids immediately with support from an experienced team and AI-powered tools.
3. Unlimited Scalability
Unlike an in-house writer, Fundin isn’t limited by one person’s capacity. Need to submit more bids during a busy funding season? Fundin’s model allows organisations to scale up applications without worrying about overloading a single employee.
4. Consistent Quality and Expert Support
Every bid written through Fundin is expert-reviewed to ensure consistency and professionalism. Rather than relying on the strengths (or weaknesses) of a single employee, users benefit from a team of experienced bid writers who collaborate and refine applications for maximum impact.
5. AI-Powered Efficiency
Fundin uses smart grant-matching technology to find the best opportunities for each organisation. AI-assisted drafting speeds up the writing process while maintaining high-quality standards, allowing users to submit more bids in less time.
6. Flexibility Without the Commitment
Unlike hiring an employee, Fundin doesn’t require a long-term contract. Organisations can adjust their usage based on funding cycles, increasing or decreasing bid activity as needed. No fixed salaries, no employment risks-just a service tailored to actual funding needs.
7. Dedicated Support With a Personal Touch
Some organisations worry that outsourcing bid writing means losing a personal touch. Fundin solves this by assigning each user a dedicated bid writer, ensuring they receive tailored support, advice, and consistency across applications-just like an in-house writer, but without the overheads.
Cost Comparison: Fundin vs Hiring In-House
| Factor | In-House Bid Writer | Fundin.ai |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £30,000 – £45,000/year + benefits | £299/month + success-based pricing |
| Recruitment Time | 2-3 months | Immediate access |
| Scalability | Limited to one person | Scale up or down as needed |
| Expertise | One person’s experience | A team of experts |
| Grant Matching | Manual research | AI-powered matching |
| Technology | Basic tools | AI-driven efficiency |
| Overhead Costs | High | None |
| Flexibility | Fixed salary, long-term commitment | Pay for what you need, no contracts |
The Verdict: Fundin Wins on Value, Efficiency, and Scalability
While hiring an in-house bid writer offers control, it also comes with high costs, recruitment delays, and limited capacity. Fundin provides a faster, more cost-effective, and scalable solution without compromising on quality or personal support.
For organisations looking to maximise funding potential while keeping overheads low, Fundin is the clear winner.
