If you run a nonprofit, you’ve probably Googled, “What grants can I apply for?” more times than you’d like to admit. Here’s the good news: there’s no limit to how many grants you can apply for—but that doesn’t mean you should click “submit” on every opportunity that floats by.
The key is to apply for grants for nonprofit organizations strategically, so you spend less time spinning your wheels and more time actually winning funding. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the types of grants available, how to decide which ones are worth your time, and the smartest way to apply.
What Grants Can I Apply for as a Nonprofit?
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “What grants can I apply for,” the short answer is: apply for every grant that you’re eligible for. Seriously.
The more you apply, the better your odds of landing crucial funding that can help your nonprofit grow, serve, and thrive.
There are several types of grants you should keep your eye on, including:
- Project grants fund specific initiatives or programs, which are great if you have a new idea you’re itching to launch.
- Capacity-building grants help improve infrastructure, systems, or staff development.
- Operating support grants cover general overhead and keep the lights on while you focus on your mission.
Of course, there are rules for any grant. Operational grants are the holy grail of nonprofit funding because they’re essentially unrestricted funds you can use for anything. But those are competitive and hard to come by. Chances are, the grant you receive will have some limitations. For example, capital grants are more limited because you can only use them for buildings or vehicles.
How Many Grants Can You Apply For?
You might be wondering how many grants you can apply for before someone knocks on your nonprofit’s door and says, “Okay, that’s enough.”
Good news: there’s no universal cap. No one’s going to hunt you down or punish you for applying to too many grants.
That said, while there’s no formal restriction on how many grants you can apply for, there are practical limits—namely, your team’s time and capacity. For example, 61% of nonprofits have just one or two people managing the entire grant application process, and that’s a lot of work for time-strapped nonprofits.
Many grantmakers also require regular reporting, financial documentation, and strict rules about how you can spend the money. Some even stipulate that funding can’t exceed your demonstrated need.
While it’s rare, some grants may specify that you aren’t eligible for one pot of money if you apply for another, usually with the same organization. Aside from that, though, there’s no limit to how much you can apply to grants for nonprofit organizations.
Funding your great non-profit idea is a critical step to doing the good work you want to do—don’t shortchange your funding journey by assuming it will be easy or fast. Plan on spending a significant amount of time in securing funding, and be ready to share a well-developed strategic plan and mission statement with potential funders.
How To Apply for Grants Strategically
Sure, you could apply for everything that crosses your inbox, but your time and sanity are precious resources. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your success rate, here’s how to apply for grants for nonprofit organizations with strategy, not just speed:
Find the Right Opportunities
Get clear on which grants are a match for your nonprofit. Look for alignment with your mission, focus areas, and capacity. If it doesn’t fit, don’t force it.
Read the Requirements Carefully
Seriously—don’t skim the fine print. Make sure your team can deliver everything the grant requires, including reporting and outcome tracking. This step is a must for ensuring you can fulfill all the grant requirements without overwhelming your team.
Gather the Right Materials
Most grants will ask for your IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, project budget, financial statements, and nonprofit mission overview.
Write a Compelling Application
This is your time to shine. Show how your work solves real problems, back it up with data, and demonstrate impact. Make the reviewer believe in your mission. Qualitative data is great, but so are testimonials from the population you serve.
Follow the Rules
Grant requirements aren’t flexible. Late submissions will automatically take you out of the game, potentially costing you thousands of dollars in free money. Some funders use fancy platforms; others want a PDF emailed—or even a form printed and mailed to their HQ. Regardless of their preferences, make sure you tick all the grantor’s boxes. The last thing you want is to lose a grant on a technicality.
Stay Organized
Use a customer relationship management (CRM) tool or even a good ol’ spreadsheet to track how many grants you can apply for, where you are in the process, and what’s due when. You should also keep track of which grants you did and didn’t earn.
Some funders will offer feedback on your application if you don’t get the grant, so use that to your advantage. It can be tough if you don’t get the grant, but this feedback will help you write a better application next time. It’s free advice from an expert, so use it!
Your Mission Deserves More Than a Shot in the Dark
Grants can be a lifeline for nonprofits, but only if you approach them with intention. Whether you’re figuring out “What grants can I apply for?”, wondering how many grants you can apply for, or learning how to apply for grants for nonprofit organizations, the key is strategic focus over sheer volume.
Yes, there’s no cap on applications, but there is a limit to your team’s time, energy, and caffeine supply. So do your homework, target the right opportunities, and stay organized. A thoughtful approach will help you secure the funding you need without overexerting your staff or writing proposals at the last minute.
