For small and medium organizations, investing in grant writing can yield crucial resources that build capacity. Following the right strategy is the key to winning grant awards. “It’s helpful for nonprofits to really think about their strengths and look for funding opportunities that align with that,” says CP Consultant Kristen Engebretsen.
CP Consultant Barbara Wille has achieved grant success for small organizations. She advises, “Focus on your key competencies, and seek those funders interested – specifically – in what you do.” She notes that most funders are inundated with requests and must make hard choices. “The closer you can align your mission and programs with their specific guidelines and interests, the better chance you have of getting support.”
Here are more strategies:
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- Identify the right funding sources to ensure mission alignment. But don’t be afraid to stretch if you have a strong case. See Communities in Schools’ successful pursuit of a health-oriented grant HERE.
- Highlight unique aspects of your organization and why it stands out. If you are a smaller nonprofit, look for funders who prioritize supporting organizations with more limited resources and demonstrate how you are doing more with less.
- Develop a compelling case for support that includes specific data points about your impact on the community. But be sure to include a story or two that also communicate your impact.
- Highlight collaboration and partnerships. This can demonstrate that you are part of a bigger movement working towards common goals. It also can help elevate your visibility while showing your organization “plays well with others.”
- Take the time (and it can take a while) to build relationships with funders to introduce your organization and its work, including by attending events.
- Evaluate and adjust. Regularly reassess your grant-seeking process and adjust based on what has worked and what has not.
- Consider contracting for outside help with grant writing. If your organization is small, working with a grant writer can be a valuable investment to help you build core capacity without diverting your focus from delivering on programming and services commitments.
For small and medium-sized organizations seeking to leverage their impact, investing in grant writing help can lead to strength and growth. “We want to help you grow so you outgrow us,” Wille says.
Learn more from these grant success stories:
Communities in Schools
American Muslim Senior Society
Other Resources:
Learn more about targeting the right grants for your nonprofit. The Stanford Social Innovation Review published a helpful article about funding sources for different types of nonprofits. Read 10 Nonprofit Funding Models.