Spoke with some friends that do grant writing for a living. Standard commission for a grant writer ranges from 1% to 5%. The whole administrative side budget for a grant (which includes commission and all other admin expenses) is typically 10% to 15%.
Manley being paid 30% – nearly 1 of every 3 dollars raised – is unheard of.
The code of ethics of the Association of Fundraising Professionals speaks against fundraisers being paid commission on the funds that they raise:
16. Members shall not accept compensation that is based on a percentage of contributions; nor shall they accept finder’s fees.
17. Members may accept performance-based compensation, such as bonuses, provided such bonuses are in accord with prevailing practices within the members’ own organizations, and are not based on a percentage of contributions.
18. Members shall not pay finder’s fees, or commissions or percentage compensation based on contributions, and shall take care to discourage their organizations from making such payments.
