Grant writing is an essential skill for nonprofits seeking funding to expand their programs, support operations, and drive impact. However, competition for grants is fierce, with only 10-30% of grant applications receiving funding depending on the type of grant and funder.

🔎 Did you know? The average nonprofit spends $2,000–$10,000 on professional grant writing services, while an in-house grant writer’s salary ranges from $50,000–$80,000 per year. Despite the investment, organizations that use data-driven, well-researched proposals significantly increase their success rate.

To help you navigate the grant writing process successfully, we’ve compiled a detailed guide, including best practices, success rates, free resources, and expert coaching through Auxilia.

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1. Understanding the Grant Landscape

Nonprofits can apply for various types of grants, each with different requirements and funding processes.

Type of Grant	Typical Grant Amount	Success Rate	Where to Find
Government Grants	$10,000–$1M+	~10-20%	Grants.gov, SAM.gov
Foundation Grants	$5,000–$500,000	~25-30%	Candid/Foundation Directory
Corporate Grants	$1,000–$100,000	~15-25%	GrantWatch
Community Grants	$500–$50,000	~30-50%	Local United Way chapters, community foundations

📌 Pro Tip: Government grants tend to have the most funding but are highly competitive and often require extensive reporting. Foundation and corporate grants have higher success rates but require strategic alignment with the funder’s mission.

2. Research Thoroughly: Finding the Right Grants

Before writing, identify funders whose mission aligns with your nonprofit’s goals. Stronger alignment increases the likelihood of funding.

🔎 Where to Find Grants:

• Candid/Foundation Directory – Database of 140,000+ foundations
• Grants.gov – U.S. government grant database
• GrantWatch – Lists new grants weekly
• Instrumentl – AI-powered grant matching

📌 Pro Tip: Many funders provide lists of past grant recipients on their websites. Reviewing these can help you tailor your proposal to better match what they fund.

3. Tailor Your Proposal for Success

One-size-fits-all grant proposals rarely succeed. Funders want to see customized applications that demonstrate how your organization aligns with their mission, priorities, and funding history.

🔹 Best Practices for Personalization:

• Research the funder’s past grant recipients.
• Use the funder’s language from their website in your application.
• Show how your nonprofit aligns with their priorities.
• Address the funder’s impact metrics and desired outcomes.

📌 Pro Tip: If possible, reach out to the funder before applying. Some foundations allow Letters of Inquiry (LOI) before a full proposal, helping you gauge interest before investing time in a full application.

4. Craft a Compelling Narrative

Your grant proposal must tell a story that captivates the reviewer. A strong proposal includes:

 The Key Components of a Winning Grant Proposal:

1. Executive Summary – A clear, concise overview of your request.
2. Statement of Need – What problem are you solving? Why is this urgent?
3. Project Description – What will you do? Who will benefit?
4. Goals & Objectives – Use SMART goals to show measurable impact.
5. Budget & Justification – A clear breakdown of funding needs.
6. Evaluation Plan – How will success be measured?
7. Sustainability Plan – How will the project continue after funding ends?

📌 Pro Tip: Use data and emotional storytelling together to make your case stronger. Funders want measurable impact but also want to connect with your mission emotionally.

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5. Define Clear Objectives & Outcomes

Funders want to see a clear return on investment. Use SMART Goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to show accountability.

🔹 Example of a Weak vs. Strong Goal:

• ❌ Weak Goal: “We want to help more students succeed in school.”
• ✅ Strong Goal: “By December 2025, our program will provide 1,000 underprivileged students with free tutoring, increasing graduation rates by 15%.”

📌 Pro Tip: Use charts and graphs to visualize impact! Here’s an example of how a nonprofit might structure project goals and outcomes:

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6. Create a Realistic Budget

A detailed, transparent budget increases your credibility.

🔹 Common Budget Categories:

• Salaries & personnel costs
• Program materials
• Marketing & outreach
• Travel & transportation
• Technology & equipment

📌 Pro Tip: Most funders prefer funding direct project costs over administrative expenses. If possible, show in-kind contributions (volunteer hours, donated office space) to strengthen your proposal.

7. Proofread & Review Before Submission

Before hitting “Submit,” ensure your application is error-free and compelling.

🔹 Checklist for a Polished Proposal:

• Grammar & Spelling – Use tools like Grammarly.
• Consistency – Double-check budget numbers match proposal details.
• Outside Review – Have a colleague or consultant review your application.

📌 Pro Tip: Some funders have strict word limits. Make every word count and avoid unnecessary jargon.

8. Leverage Free & Paid Resources

There are many free and affordable resources available to help nonprofits strengthen their grant writing.

📚 Free & Low-Cost Grant Writing Resources:

• NonprofitReady – Free grant writing courses
• TechSoup – Discounted nonprofit tech tools
• The Grant Training Center – Online training for beginners

💰 Cost of Hiring a Grant Writer:

• Freelance grant writers charge $50–$150 per hour or $2,000–$10,000 per grant.
• Success rates improve when nonprofits hire experienced grant writers with a track record of securing funds.

📌 Pro Tip: If your nonprofit is new to grants, consider working with Auxilia’s fundraising coaches to refine your strategy.

Final Thoughts: Winning More Grants with the Right Strategy

Grant writing is both an art and a science. While success rates vary, nonprofits that thoroughly research funders, write compelling proposals, and track their outcomes consistently secure more funding.

🔹 Need expert support? Auxilia offers fundraising coaching, donor management tools, and expert guidance to help nonprofits maximize grant success.

🚀 Ready to secure more funding? Get started with Auxilia today!