One of the biggest mistakes a nonprofit can make is “chasing the money”. This happens when an organization applies for a grant simply because the funding is available, even if the project doesn’t naturally fit their mission.
Reviewers can tell when you are trying to “stretch” a project to fit a grant, and it often results in a decline. The absolute worst—and most preventable—mistake is applying for funding that is simply not a fit. To avoid this, you must verify eligibility across five key areas before you start writing:
- Geography: Does the funder serve your specific city or county?
- Organization Type: Do they fund 501(c)(3)s, or are they limited to schools or government entities?
- Interest Areas: Does your work in arts, housing, or social services match their stated priorities?
- Funding Category: Do they allow for general operating support, or are they strictly for program-specific costs?
- Award Amount: Is your request realistic? Most funders will not award a grant that is more than 20% of your total annual budget.
Your mission and strategy should drive your activities, and grants should serve as tools to support that existing vision—not the other way around.
If you’re ready to learn more, access the Masterclass video <Name> <Link>
