Contract work questions

Please forgive me for this somewhat off-topic posting. It just seemed like you folks would definitely have an answer. I am a web developer with solid skills but not much real world experience. I was recently offered some contract work, but I haven't a clue what to charge. Also, I know before taking on a project I should get what is expected of me in writing, but I don't have any idea what this document should look like. I don't want to get screwed by tipping my hand to the other party and telling them I don't know what I'm doing (as far a the non-tech stuff goes). And I'd prefer that my co-workers or employer not find out what I'm doing, so here are some details without giving too much away: -The client wants a site where one group can enter information(a couple of demographic questions & an anecdote) into a form that will be put (via PHP) into a database (MySQL). Another group will then be able to view these anecdotes based on limiting criteria (e.g. location, population, etc.). This is well within my abilities. -This project could be a nice experience or a total pain depending on what the client is going to provide. I need to document from the outset that they will provide certain types of data, content, graphics. -This is for a non-profit. There isn't that much money to be had. If I had the time, I'd do this project for next to nothing just for the experience. But I don't have that luxury. -I have an actual job already. This will be just a short-term side project. -I'm pretty sure that I don't have any competition. I understand that no one can tell me to just charge x. There are too many unknowns. Is there somewhere I can look online for some sort of comparison? What can I use as a guide? I mean, I don't even have a ballpark idea. I don't feel compelled to charge as much as they can stand to pay. I just want to make sure that I'm not charging 1/10th of what they're expecting. Despite my prodding they won't tell me what this is worth to them. Also, is there some place online that lays out what needs to be in this sort of a contract? Again I'm not dealing with some exceedingly professional large organization - I'm not expecting them to draw this up for me. So what I need are: -some sort of guide/yardstick for what to charge -sample contracts or just plain advise. Thanks for you time. And again I'm very sorry for this somewhat off-topic posting. --Mr.Questions (call me Tony) __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! News - Today's headlines http://news.yahoo.com