Nonprofit Management Blog
Am I Ready to Apply for Grants? A Nonprofit Self-Assessment
“Are we ready to apply for grants?” This is one of the least common questions I hear from nonprofit leaders – but it’s often the most important one.
More frequently, leaders come to me after they’ve already started applying. They’re frustrated by repeated rejections, confused about what funders are looking for, or wondering why their organization isn’t competitive despite doing meaningful work in the community.
Nonprofit Data Strategy: A Beginner’s Guide to Data-Driven Impact
In the nonprofit sector, we talk constantly about impact. We describe it in grant proposals, annual reports, and board presentations. Yet many organizations still struggle to answer a deceptively simple question: What does our data actually tell us about our impact?
How to Read an RFP Strategically
Most nonprofits read an RFP like instructions. They skim for eligibility. They check the deadline. They glance at the funding amount. Then they scroll straight to the narrative questions and start outlining responses.
Technically, that works. Strategically, it doesn’t.
Should We Apply? A Capacity-Based Grant Decision Framework for Nonprofits
Grant opportunities create urgency. The deadline is close. The funder looks aligned. The dollar amount would help.
And still, the most important question often gets skipped: do we actually have the capacity to win and manage this well?
Why Your Nonprofit Isn’t Winning Grants
When a nonprofit isn’t winning grants, the internal narrative usually sounds like this:
“Maybe our narrative wasn’t compelling enough.”
“Maybe we need a better grant writer.”
“Maybe we’re just not competitive compared to larger nonprofits.”