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Hey there!
It’s time for this week’s edition, where we’ll cover:
- Why you should thank funders, even if you don’t win the grant
- The current state of giving based on the Generosity Commission
- How you can become a grant-writing unicorn
We’ll also share grant opportunities, articles you may have missed, and educational resources to check out.
Welcome to The Impact.
Data-Packed Insights
Do you know which type of funder will give you the best chance of funding success?
The answer may surprise you.
We analyzed data from Instrumentl between 2021 and 2023 to compare different types of funders based on their success rates, average grant sizes, and percentage of requested amounts awarded.
👉 Read the full report here to see where you should focus your efforts.
Let us know if you’d like to receive more Insight Reports like this by subscribing.
Pitfalls and Pointers
⚠️ Pitfall: Moving on Too Quickly From Missed Grants
It can be devastating if you don’t win a grant, especially if it’s one you had your heart—and funding strategy—set on. You may be tempted to simply move on and put it behind you to focus on new opportunities.
But that would be a mistake.
You’d miss out on a key funder engagement tactic that can set you up for success in the future.
💡 Pointer: Thank Funders Regardless of the Outcome
Even if you didn’t win the grant, thank the funder.
This small note of gratitude can help differentiate you from the hundreds of other nonprofits who applied.
The note can be short and sweet. Consider:
- Thanking them for their consideration.
- Sharing excitement for the good work their funding will enable.
- Asking if they have any feedback that can help you in the future.
- Offering to keep in touch.
This small but meaningful gesture of gratitude can make a big difference in your future interactions and open the door for success.
👉 Read more about strategies for cultivating relationships with grant funders!
The Latest Numbers
In their recent report, the Generosity Commission conducted an in-depth analysis of the state of generosity in the United States.
Here’s what they found:
- Dollars up, donors down. Despite the fact that there’s been an increase in the amount of funds donated, there’s been a decrease in the number of donors and volunteers.
- Increased giving on other platforms may adversely impact nonprofit donations. Crowdfunding websites, political campaigns, and other alternative modes of giving may be factored into how much individuals are willing to donate each year.
- Underlying causes impact willingness to give. Individuals have named a lack of trust, economic uncertainties, changes in the workplace, and the aftereffects of COVID-19 as reasons they are changing their charitable giving patterns.
The Generosity Commission also shared ways that nonprofits can combat these recent trends, including:
- Public focus on charitable giving and volunteering. Public figures can share the importance of giving and its impact on the community.
- Respect younger generations. When you engage younger generations, you have a donor for life.
- Increase charitable contribution tax deductions. Potential donors can be increasingly motivated by increased tax write-offs.
📊 Download the full report here!
Expert Perspectives
🏆 Meredith Noble on The Grant Writing Unicorn Method
Meredith Noble, author, co-founder, and CEO of LearnGrantWriting.org, shared with us her top strategies for focusing on the right grants. She’s published a #1 bestselling book on Amazon, empowering others to become grant-writing unicorns.
Here’s her expert advice:
- Think Creatively About Funding Sources: When looking for grants, don’t just focus on the direct program or project. You should also consider its adjacencies, including the community impact, environmental benefits, and more.
- Create a Grant Research Funnel: Use tools to set up a broad search, starting with more than 100 grants. Narrow them down to 20 worth evaluating, then your top 2-5 grants you want to pursue.
- Determine Your Competitiveness: Reach out to funders to ask if they can share more information about their application process, including how many applications they typically receive and how many grants they award. Divide the two to determine your chances of success.
- Contact Past Applicants: Ask if you could see their grant proposal and for any additional insight on how they funded their project. This can help give you an idea of what funders are looking for as well as inspiration for other funding sources.
👉 Start your journey to becoming a grant-writing unicorn by watching the free webinar!
Opportunities Spotlight
🏛️ Joseph E. and Marjorie B. Jones Foundation Grants
Who It’s For: Nonprofits focused on improving the quality of life for residents in the greater Washington, D.C. area
Next Deadline: May 15, 2025
Grant Amount: $20,000
The Details:
The Joseph E. and Marjorie B. Jones Foundation funds nonprofits focusing on healthcare initiatives, human services, and education causes throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. They’re interested in nonprofits that inspire, uplift, and motivate communities through civic programming.
🥕 CoFUND
Who It’s For: Nonprofits who support queer and BIPOC food initiatives
Next Deadline: March 31, 2025
Grant Amount: Up to $10,000
The Details:
The Cooperative Food Empowerment Directive (CoFED) helps empower communities in need through food and land co-ops. They are focused on funding cooperative and farmer-based organizations that are working to transform the food system.
🔍 Check out thousands of additional grant opportunities now!
Networking Nook
📅 Conference: Health Care Systems Research Network Pre-Conference Grant Writing Workshop
April 7, 2025 | St. Louis, MO
This in-person worksho will help aspiring grant writers learn more about writing NIH R series applications. It will provide practical tips for helping your application stand out, as well as opportunities for networking with a community of like-minded professionals. For those seeking NIH funding, it’s a can’t-miss.
To check out more recent and upcoming live events, go here.
In Case You Missed It
📼 Video: Instrumentl Los Angeles Customer Panel
We invited our clients to share secrets to their success during a live customer panel. Check out the recording to learn more about their approach to grant fundraising, how it shapes their funding strategy, and what they’ve done to overcome challenges and win more grants. Don’t miss these lessons learned from actual grant professionals!
📑 Insights Report: When Are Grant Deadlines the Craziest? The Peaks of Grant Season
We’ve analyzed more than 45,000 grants to help identify patterns in deadlines so you can be ready for the busy season ahead.
Get Organized for a Better Future
If you are looking for a magic spell to help you win more grants, you’re in the right place!
Instrumentl is as close as you can get to magic. With a robust grants database, funder insights, and various grant management tools, you can do it all!
Check it out for yourself.
