Competition for grants is especially tough in 2023: Most foundations are giving less or holding steady this year, according to research from Candid. I recently spoke with several experts who shared tips to help you adapt your grant-seeking strategy to the current landscape and boost your odds of success.
A simple yet game-changing thing to do before applying for a grant is to connect with the foundation, says grant-seeking consultant Lauren Steiner in my article 14 Ways to Improve Your Next Proposal and Build Ties With Grant Makers. Don’t let fear of rejection stop you, she says. “All fundraising is a risk of personal rejection, and we just all have to be OK with getting a lot of nos and moving on to the next one.”
To make the most of your time and efforts, be selective. Don’t bother submitting proposals that aren’t requested by the foundation, either through a direct invitation or a public call for applications, says Muneer Panjwani, a development consultant and former fundraising executive. “It’s going into space at that point — nobody’s looking at it.”
And don’t pursue every opportunity you see, says Susan Schaefer, a consultant who helps nonprofits land major grants. It’s more efficient to focus on getting to know program officers, seeking their advice for your proposal, and applying in response to an eager invitation than spending a lot of time writing “cold” proposals, she says.
Read my article for more insights and advice. To get even more guidance, register for our upcoming webinar Corporate Grant Seeking in the Current Climate, and read another recent article from our advice section, How to Write Grant Proposals That Get Results.
Have a great week,
Lisa Schohl
Senior Editor, Advice