Last week, a long-time funder of my client announced a new priority. And, for the first time in three years, the funding opportunity will not be a good fit for us.
My client assumed that we would find a way to apply, as she has grown comfortable with the continued funding. I had the difficult conversation that the funding simply doesn’t fit this grant cycle.
When a funder announces a new priority, it can be tempting to reshape a program around it.
Especially when the grant amount is significant.
But not every funding opportunity is a good fit.
A grant may be available and still be wrong for your organization if:
- The population does not match who you serve
- The proposed activities are outside your expertise
- The timeline is unrealistic
- The outcomes cannot be measured properly
- The funding restrictions create financial strain
- The work pulls staff away from core priorities
A strong proposal should connect an existing organizational need with a funder’s priorities.
It should not require the organization to become something it is not.
Related: Mission drift can be costly
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Before pursuing an opportunity, ask:
“Would we still do this work if this funder were not offering money?”
If the answer is no, proceed carefully.
Grant funding should help advance your mission, not quietly replace it with someone else’s agenda.
The best opportunities align what the community needs, what your organization does well, and what the funder is prepared to support.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants