3 Things Every Nonprofit Should Ask for in Their Next Grant

Every nonprofit leader knows the drill: a funder releases an RFP, you scramble to tailor your proposal, and you cross your fingers for program dollars to keep the lights on and services running. But here’s the catch—too often, nonprofits undersell themselves by asking only for the bare minimum.

Grants aren’t just about fueling one program. Done right, they’re opportunities to strengthen your entire organization. By being bold and strategic in your requests, you can secure support that makes your work more sustainable, impactful, and funder-aligned over the long term.

Here are three things every nonprofit should ask for in their next grant proposal—and why funders are more ready than ever to say yes.

1. Capacity-Building Support

Capacity building is the nonprofit world’s version of “eating your vegetables.” It might not be flashy, but it’s what makes long-term health possible. Capacity investments include staff training, new technology, leadership development, evaluation frameworks, and strategic planning.

Why It Matters:

• Programs run on people and systems. Without strong infrastructure, even the best initiatives falter.

• According to the 2025 State of Grantseeking Report, only 8.9% of the largest awards from non-government funders were designated as capacity-building grants. That’s a huge gap—showing nonprofits need to advocate more strongly for these resources.

• Funders are starting to get it. Programs like the Ford Foundation’s BUILD initiative and cohort-based models (like UpMetrics’ Collaborative Cohorts) are proving that strong infrastructure leads to stronger outcomes.

How to Ask:

• Be specific: “We’re requesting $30,000 to implement a new CRM that will cut reporting time by 40% and improve outcome tracking.”

• Tie it to outcomes: “This investment will enable us to serve 20% more youth by redirecting staff time from admin to programming.”

• Show sustainability: “We’ll use this grant to cover upfront costs; ongoing expenses are already budgeted.”

💡 Pro Tip: Use real numbers. Track how many hours your staff spends on reporting or data collection now, and show how new tools or training will save time and increase impact.

2. Multi-Year Commitments

Short-term grants can feel like living paycheck to paycheck. They fund today’s work but don’t allow room for long-term planning or stability. Multi-year support changes that.

Why It Matters:

• It reduces administrative burden—fewer renewals mean staff spend more time on programs, less on paperwork.

• It provides breathing room for strategic growth and evaluation.

• Funders benefit too: multi-year support gives them a clearer picture of your long-term impact.

The Data:
Recent reports have found that recurring grants make up 10% or less of total grants for nearly 44% of nonprofits. That means most organizations are stuck in a cycle of chasing one-year dollars—a cycle that funders have the power to break.

How to Ask:

• Position it as a win-win: “Multi-year funding will reduce administrative costs for both of us while giving you a fuller picture of program impact.”

• Start small: If asking for three years feels like too much, suggest two.

• Offer accountability: Share how you’ll provide annual impact updates that track progress toward multi-year goals.

Example Ask:
“We’re requesting $150,000 over three years, which will allow us to retain key staff, stabilize program delivery, and invest in evaluation that demonstrates long-term outcomes.”

3. Flexible or Unrestricted Funding

Restricted funding can tie your hands. While funders often want to see dollars flow directly to programs, flexible support ensures you can adapt to real-world needs.

Why It Matters:

• Unrestricted dollars strengthen resilience during times of uncertainty.

• They empower nonprofits to innovate and respond quickly to community needs.

• Research shows nonprofits overwhelmingly believe general operating support has the greatest impact on organizational strength.

The Data:

• In 2024, general support was the second most common use of the largest awards, accounting for 24.2%. That’s nearly a quarter of big grants—proof that funders are increasingly open to this model.

• A report by the Center for Effective Philanthropy found that nonprofits view general operating support as the single most effective form of funding for long-term success.

How to Ask:

• Frame it as agility: “Unrestricted funding allows us to direct resources where they’re most urgently needed to achieve our shared goals.”

• Combine with program outcomes: “Flexible dollars ensure we can meet your priorities even as community needs evolve.”

• Highlight risk reduction: “This makes us a stronger, more resilient grantee capable of adapting to external challenges.”

Example Ask:
“We’re requesting $100,000 in general operating support to strengthen our infrastructure and maintain the flexibility needed to adapt to emerging community needs.”

Bonus: Combine All Three for Maximum Impact

The real power move? Combine capacity building, multi-year, and flexibility into a single proposal.

Sample Language:
“We’re requesting $150,000 over three years, with 20% dedicated to capacity building and flexibility to reallocate as community needs evolve. This structure ensures we can strengthen infrastructure, sustain key staff, and remain agile while delivering outcomes that directly align with your priorities.”

Anticipating Funder Pushback

Funders may hesitate, but you can prepare responses:

• “We only fund programs.” → “This is about programs—capacity, multi-year, and flexible funding all strengthen program results.”

• “How will you sustain it?” → “This grant helps us cover upfront costs, but we’re building long-term sustainability through diversified funding.”

• “Won’t this reduce accountability?” → “On the contrary, flexible, multi-year funding allows us to provide more accurate and comprehensive reporting.”

Conclusion: Be Bold in Your Ask

Too many nonprofits leave money and impact on the table by asking only for short-term, program-specific dollars. Funders are increasingly open to different models—they just need to see the value clearly articulated.

Capacity-building support, multi-year commitments, and flexible funding aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities. Together, they create the foundation nonprofits need to thrive, not just survive.

So in your next proposal, don’t just ask for enough to get by. Ask for what will make your organization stronger, more resilient, and more impactful—for the long haul.