I recently had to explain to a client that a General Operating grant we were awarded isn’t unrestricted funding.
General operating support has become more common in recent years, which is great news for us.
But the quiet misconception is that general operating can be used without accountability.
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Even when funds are unrestricted, funders are still evaluating organizational health, leadership stability, financial management, and impact. In many cases, the scrutiny is actually higher because they’re investing in the organization as a whole—not just a single program.
Grant professionals sometimes relax when they see “general operating.” The application may be shorter. The budget may be broader.
But the narrative still needs to clearly answer:
Why this organization? Why now? Why should we trust you with flexible funding?
And when reporting time comes, funders want to see that the funding was used to maximize impact and sustainability of the organization. Sometimes, there are even restrictions on how it can be used.
General operating support isn’t easier funding. It’s relationship-based funding. And that requires just as much strategy.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants