When it comes to grant writing, nonprofits often wonder, “What are our chances?” While there’s no magic formula, understanding success rates across funder types can provide clarity and help set realistic expectations. Let’s explore how different factors influence grant success rates and what your organization can do to boost them.
The Basics: Grant Success Rates by Funder Type
Success rates vary widely depending on the type of funder and the quality of the application. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Private Foundations: About 30% of applications are successful. (Source: Instrumentl)
State and Local Government Funders: Higher success rates, averaging around 52%. (Source: Instrumentl)
Federal Funders: Competitive, with roughly 25% success rates. (Source: Grants.gov)
Corporate Funders: Around 22% success rates. (Source: Instrumentl)
Associations and Societies: Approximately 28% success rates. (Source: Instrumentl)
These numbers represent averages, so actual results may differ based on how well the proposal aligns with funder priorities, existing relationships, and the overall quality of the submission.
The Reality: Why Success Rates Vary
Several factors determine whether a grant proposal succeeds or fails:
Relevance to Funder Priorities: Strong alignment between your organization’s work and the funder’s mission improves your odds.
Relationships Matter: Being invited to apply or having a direct connection with a program officer significantly boosts success rates. (Source: Instrumentl)
Timing and Preparation: Submitting early and avoiding rushed, last-minute applications ensures stronger proposals.
What About Grant Writers?
Success rates also depend on the skills of the grant writer:
A skilled grant writer can achieve success rates of 60%, with exceptional writers reaching as high as 80%. (Source: CharityChannel’s Grant Writers Guide)
The national average success rate for proposals across the board is 10%, or 1 in 10 applications funded. (Source: Instrumentl)
Writers with a long-term focus on a single organization often report higher success rates due to stronger funder relationships and deeper organizational knowledge. (Source: CharityChannel’s Grant Writers Guide)
Key Takeaways: How to Improve Your Odds
Build Relationships: Engage with funders early. Attend their events, connect with program officers, and understand their priorities.
Align Proposals: Tailor applications to directly address the funder’s mission and guidelines.
Invest in Quality: Allocate time and resources to develop clear, compelling proposals that stand out.
Understanding grant success rates helps set realistic goals and benchmarks for your organization. By focusing on what you can control—relationships, alignment, and quality—your nonprofit can improve its chances of securing funding.
Cheers,
Michelle Crim, CFRE
Dynamic Development Strategies is here to help you navigate these complexities with expertise and a tailored approach. Let’s work together to craft grant proposals that position your organization for success, even in a competitive and unpredictable funding landscape.
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