{"id":147912,"date":"2026-03-03T17:17:55","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T22:17:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bloomerang.com\/?p=147912"},"modified":"2026-03-03T17:44:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T22:44:45","slug":"ask-an-expert-how-to-make-a-realistic-successful-nonprofit-grant-request","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bloomerang.com\/blog\/ask-an-expert-how-to-make-a-realistic-successful-nonprofit-grant-request\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Make a Realistic, Successful Nonprofit Grant Request?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear Charity Clairity,<\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been working in annual giving and have recently been asked to help us diversify our funding by applying for grants. We have a handful of foundation funders currently. I need to reach out to them for renewed or increased support, and also find us at least as many new supporters. I\u2019m starting to research funders, but am really not sure what a realistic ask amount might be for any of them. I could use a few pointers!<\/p>\n

— Feeling at Sea<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Dear Feeling at Sea,<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s definitely scary when you\u2019re dumped in the deep end without having first been given swim lessons! So, let\u2019s go back to the shallow end for a minute and start at the beginning.<\/p>\n

What to consider when asking for a nonprofit grant<\/h2>\n

The realistic ask amount depends on a number of factors, including the prospective funder\u2019s mission, giving history, current giving focus and capacity, and your own organization\u2019s relationships and past history with grant seeking and reporting.<\/p>\n

Your organization\u2019s grant history<\/h3>\n

If you have a history of receiving grants, and a reputation for excellent reporting and follow-through, you\u2019ll be in a position to ask for more than if you\u2019re a newbie.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Why? Because the foundation of grantmaking, and all philanthropic relationships, is trust. Foundations talk to one another. If you submit a proposal to Foundation C, and they see you\u2019ve been funded in the past by Foundations A and B, they\u2019re likely to contact A and B to find out a bit about their experience with you.<\/p>\n

Your current funders can serve as \u201csocial proof<\/a>\u201d that you\u2019re a good investment.<\/strong><\/p>\n

But what if you have little grant history?<\/p>\n

Your organization\u2019s community relationships<\/h3>\n

Your lay leaders can also offer social proof and put in a good word for you.<\/strong><\/p>\n

That\u2019s why it\u2019s useful to send a list of funders to whom you\u2019d like to apply, complete with names of foundation staff leadership and trustees, to all your board members. Ask them to indicate if they know anyone on the list\u2013and whether they\u2019d be willing to reach out on your behalf.<\/p>\n

Fruitful fundraising relies heavily on relationships and, when you have one, you\u2019ve got a stronger likelihood of success.<\/strong><\/p>\n

But you can\u2019t capitalize on relationships unless you know they exist! So, make it your business to find out.<\/p>\n

The cost of the project for which you\u2019re applying<\/h3>\n

Begin with clarity on your needs.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sit down with program staff<\/em> and interview them about everything that will be required\u2013direct and indirect costs. Management, line staff, administrative support, supplies, travel expenses, and marketing, rent, utilities, insurance\u2013you name it. Always include a percentage for overhead. It makes no sense to ask for less than you realistically need.<\/p>\n

Sit down with finance staff for help crafting a budget. The budget is a microcosm of the entire proposal. In fact, often, the budget is the first thing a funder will look at in evaluating your proposal.<\/a><\/p>\n

Generally, budget line items should include:<\/strong><\/p>\n