A grant opportunity lands in your inbox.
The award could support an important project, and the deadline is close enough to create urgency. Your first instinct may be to forward it to your team with a familiar question: “Can we apply?”
For executive directors, a more useful question comes first: “Should we?”
Every application takes time away from other work. Research, budgets, attachments, internal reviews, and follow-up all require capacity. A thoughtful decision process helps you invest that capacity in opportunities that fit your mission and your organization.
Start with your priorities, rather than the application questions. Does this opportunity support an existing program or a planned initiative grounded in community needs?
Consider a youth organization focused on after-school tutoring. A grant for a summer arts festival might look appealing, but delivering it could require new staff, partnerships, and expertise. The award amount alone cannot tell you whether that expansion makes sense.
Ask what your organization would need to change to pursue the funding and whether those changes would advance your mission.
A broad interest in education, health, or food security is only a starting point. Review eligibility requirements, geography, typical award amounts, and examples of past support when available.
Look for alignment between the funder’s priorities and your specific work. A foundation supporting education may prioritize early literacy, college access, or teacher development. Those are different funding interests.
If questions remain, follow the funder’s instructions about inquiries. Respect policies that limit contact or require an invitation.
Before drafting, talk with the people responsible for implementation. Who would lead the project? What would they need? Could the proposed timeline work alongside existing commitments?
Imagine receiving the award tomorrow. If your team could not explain how the work would begin, you may need more planning before submitting.
An ambitious proposal should still reflect an achievable program.
Compare eligible expenses with the full cost of delivery. Consider staffing, supervision, materials, evaluation, and administrative support. Review any matching requirements and payment arrangements.
A grant that covers only part of a project may still be valuable, provided you have a realistic plan for the remaining costs. Identify that gap before committing to the work.
Consider reporting, data collection, relationship management, and the program’s future. Who will track results? Who will maintain the funder relationship? Will the work end with the grant, continue through other revenue, or require another decision?
These questions belong in your application decision, not just your award acceptance process.
Create a brief opportunity review that records fit, requirements, staff capacity, financial gaps, and your decision. This gives your team a shared basis for prioritizing proposals.
Passing on an opportunity can protect the time needed to pursue a better one.
Need help identifying where to focus? Magic Lamp Consulting’s Grant Research Package helps nonprofits identify well-matched prospects and organize their next steps.