How does a small nonprofit decide which grant opportunities are actually worth pursuing?
A framework for spending limited grant-writing time where it pays off.
Because grant writing takes serious effort, chasing every opportunity spreads a small team too thin, so choosing well is itself a strategy. Assess mission and funder fit first as your main filter, weigh the work required against the potential award, and track what you pass on to inform future choices.
Time is the real constraint
Grant writing takes serious effort, so chasing every opportunity spreads a team too thin. Focus beats volume. Related: Why does assigning a clear owner to every grant application prevent last-minute scrambles?
Choosing well is itself a strategy.
Keep reading: Why do nonprofits keep missing grant deadlines even when they have the funding lined up?, How should a nonprofit set up grant pipeline stages to track applications from start to finish?, Why does assigning a clear owner to every grant application prevent last-minute scrambles?. See how GrantWatchr helps you grant deadline tracking for nonprofits.
Assess fit first
A grant that closely matches your mission and the funder priorities is far more winnable. Poor fit wastes effort. Related: When should a nonprofit start preparing a renewal application for a recurring funder?
Alignment is the first filter.
Weigh effort against reward
Comparing the work required to the potential award helps you triage. A huge application for a tiny grant may not pay off. Related: How should a nonprofit set up grant pipeline stages to track applications from start to finish?
Effort-to-reward keeps your pipeline sane.
Track what you pass on
Noting opportunities you skip, and why, informs future decisions. A pipeline captures the no as well as the yes.
Even declined opportunities teach you something.
- Limited time means you cannot chase every grant
- Assess mission and funder fit first
- Weigh the effort required against the potential award
- Track what you pass on to inform future choices
Julien Jimenez
Julien Jimenez is an independent software builder based in Paris. He designs, ships, and operates focused SaaS products for small businesses and independent professionals. Read the full author page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first thing to check about a grant?
Assess fit. A grant that closely matches your mission and the funder's priorities is far more winnable, so alignment is the first filter before you invest writing time.
Why track grants you decide to skip?
Noting opportunities you pass on, and why, informs future decisions. A pipeline that captures the no as well as the yes teaches you something even from declined chances.
Never Miss A Grant Deadline
Grant deadline tracking for nonprofits. GrantWatchr is built to help you put this into practice.
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