How to Win General Operating Support According To 7 Grant Consultants

General operating grants—everybody loves them, and everybody wants them.

So how can you win these highly-coveted awards?

We asked 7 nonprofit grant consultants for advice on securing general operating support. Here’s what they had to say:

Jacob B. Chase, CEO of Chase Consulting Solutions, emphasized the importance of relationship-building when seeking general operating grants:
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“Engage, build relationships, and demonstrate flexibility. Cultivate relationships with program officers or contacts at the funding agency or foundation. Attend networking events, webinars, or conferences to connect with representatives and learn more about their funding priorities. — Jacob B. Chase

Key Takeaway: Building and nurturing relationships with funders is essential for securing general operating support. Make sure you are proactively engaging with program officers and attending networking events to begin forming these relationships and to better understand giving priorities.

According to Rachel Grusin, Grant Writer for the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, trust is the key to successfully securing general operating funding:
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“These grants usually come from funders who trust the organizations they support. So, engage with them, understand their interests, and keep them updated on your organization's work and impact.” — Rachel Grusin

Key Takeaway: Maintain open communication about your organization's work and impact with funders to establish a foundation of trust and transparency. This can significantly increase your chances of receiving general operating grants.

Dr. Bev Browning, CEO and Senior Grant Consultant, shared some advice she gives to organizations pursuing general operating grants:
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“Make sure your board has helped you identify a hard and soft cash match before you ask for general operating funding.” — Dr. Bev Browning

Key Takeaway: Some funders will be more willing to award general operating funding to organizations who can demonstrate a cash match. Consider exploring a cash match with your Board of Directors to strengthen your application and illustrate your organization's preparedness.

Matt Hugg, President of Nonprofit.Courses, highlighted how important financial stability is to funders:
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“Show your path to non-dependency on them, or any single funding source. Let them see that in parallel with carrying out the program they're funding, you'll be building funding programs and relationships that will wean you off their grant and diversify your revenue.” — Matt Hugg

Key Takeaway: Show your diversification of revenue streams to reassure funders that your organization is not overly reliant on their support. Providing clear evidence of past successes and transparent financial records can make a strong case for your organization's credibility.

According to Sarah Lange, CEO and founder of Sarah B. Lange Consulting, focusing on impact can make all the difference when pursuing general operating grants:
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“Focus on the impact you're having on the lives of the people you serve and your community. Show them your value! Tell them what's unique about you, and why they should INVEST in your organization.” — Sarah Lange

Key Takeaway: Focus on the tangible difference your organization has on the lives of the people you serve. It should be clear to the funder why investing in your general operations would have a positive impact on your community.

Daphne Keys, CFRE and Grants Manager, also emphasized the importance of sharing your specific impact with funders:
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“Focus on the result of the mission—lives changed or saved, animals housed, etc., in your narratives. Share facts and stories demonstrating the mission's success for the whole organization.” — Daphne Keys

Key Takeaway: When funders give general operating support, they are investing in your mission. Make sure to show them exactly who or what is being impacted by their support through both data and storytelling.

Pamela Grow, Founder of Basics & More Fundraising, reminded us that not all grantmakers award general operating funding—and that’s okay!
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“I was always able to create a solid core of general operating support grant funding by focusing on small to mid-sized family foundations that funded general operating support, consistent research, and having a SOLID case for support.

You have to make the decision that every grant opportunity ISN'T [worth it] and quit wasting your time.” — Pamela Grow

Key Takeaway: You should be strategic in your research by focusing specifically on funders who are open to awarding general operating support and who ideally have a history of doing so. Grants databases like Instrumentl allow you to filter your search by grant type so that you can prioritize the highest ROI opportunities.

General operating grants are incredible sources of funding for nonprofits, which is why they are so sought after. Adopting the strategies and insights offered by these experts should help you develop a stronger case for support.

And don’t forget that Instrumentl can match you with a list of general operating grants for your organization today. Sign up for a 14-day free trial to see the difference Instrumentl can make for your nonprofit.