One of the fastest ways to create long-term problems in a nonprofit:
Chasing funding that doesn’t fit your mission.
It usually starts with good intentions.
A grant looks promising.
The funding is significant.
The timeline feels urgent.
So the organization stretches.
They adjust the program.
They reshape the narrative.
They try to make it fit.
But here’s what that often looks like in practice:
- A youth development organization applying for a workforce grant they’re not equipped to deliver
- A health-focused nonprofit pursuing environmental funding without clear alignment
- A small team taking on a large, complex grant without the infrastructure to manage it
I just spoke to a nonprofit leader yesterday who wants to add a complex workforce development program to a youth sports organization because “there is a lot of funding for workforce development.” My eyes nearly rolled all the way out of my head.
Related: Mission drift can be costly
It’s the classic square peg in a round hole.
And the consequences show up later:
Staff burnout
Program dilution
Reporting challenges
Strained funder relationships
Lack of credibility within the community
In some cases, it can even damage credibility with the actual program recipients.
Action steps:
✅ Ask: “Would we run this program without this funding?”
✅ Stay anchored in your core competencies
✅ Build a funding strategy around your mission — not the other way around
Not all money is good money.
The right funding strengthens your work.
The wrong funding reshapes it.
And that’s a much higher cost than most organizations realize.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants