[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/theempowermentcleveland.com\/what-do-grant-funders-want\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/theempowermentcleveland.com\/what-do-grant-funders-want\/","headline":"What Do Grant Funders Want?","name":"What Do Grant Funders Want?","description":"If you\u2019ve ever stared at a blank grant application wondering, \u201cWhat do funders even want from us?\u201d \u2014 you\u2019re not alone. Grant writing can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling program delivery, staff meetings, and trying to keep your nonprofit running on a shoestring budget. But here\u2019s the good news: once you understand what funders […]","datePublished":"2025-04-08","dateModified":"2025-10-09","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/theempowermentcleveland.com\/author\/admin\/#Person","name":"GrantSmarts Consulting","url":"https:\/\/theempowermentcleveland.com\/author\/admin\/","identifier":1,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c6385ff600c128c92c5caba5968c2b927c5f1f47e2ca969ba0285756482f7ac2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c6385ff600c128c92c5caba5968c2b927c5f1f47e2ca969ba0285756482f7ac2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"admin","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/theempowermentcleveland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/footerddd.png","url":"https:\/\/theempowermentcleveland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/footerddd.png","width":329,"height":111}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/theempowermentcleveland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-4.jpg","url":"https:\/\/theempowermentcleveland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-4.jpg","height":768,"width":1024},"url":"https:\/\/theempowermentcleveland.com\/what-do-grant-funders-want\/","about":["Blog","Consulting","Cultivation","Fundraising","Grant Writing Consulting"],"wordCount":557,"articleBody":"If you\u2019ve ever stared at a blank grant application wondering, \u201cWhat do funders even want from us?\u201d \u2014 you\u2019re not alone. Grant writing can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling program delivery, staff meetings, and trying to keep your nonprofit running on a shoestring budget.But here\u2019s the good news: once you understand what funders are really looking for, writing a compelling grant proposal gets a lot easier.Whether you’re a small grassroots organization or an established nonprofit, this guide will walk you through exactly what funders want\u2014and how to give it to them.\u2705 1. Clarity Over Complexity: Tell Them What You Do and Why It MattersFunders don\u2019t want to decode your mission statement. They want a clear, concise explanation of your work, your impact, and why your organization matters.\ud83d\udccc Tip: Start with the basics. Who do you serve? What problems are you solving? How are you uniquely positioned to help?\ud83d\udcca 2. A Realistic Plan (With the Budget to Match)Your proposal should show that you\u2019ve got a plan\u2014and that the plan actually makes sense. That includes timelines, outcomes, staffing, and yes, a budget that aligns with the work.Avoid asking for $50,000 with three bullet points and a dream. Funders want to see that your nonprofit is strategic, organized, and capable of delivering.\ud83d\udcf8 3. Proof of Impact: Show You\u2019re Doing the WorkData is powerful. So are stories. Funders want both. Show that your program is more than a good idea\u2014it\u2019s actually happening and making a difference.\ud83d\udca1 Include:Number of people servedOutcomes or success ratesTestimonials from participantsPhotos or videos from eventsIf you\u2019re a newer nonprofit, share pilot results, community feedback, or early wins.\ud83e\udd1d 4. Relationships Matter: Be a Human, Not Just a ProposalFunders aren\u2019t just checking boxes\u2014they\u2019re building relationships. Introduce yourself before applying, follow up after, and keep them in the loop even if you don\u2019t get the grant.\u2728 Pro tip: A thank-you email goes a long way, whether or not you\u2019re awarded funding.\ud83e\udde0 5. Transparency > PerfectionNot every program goes exactly as planned. That\u2019s okay. Funders understand that real-life community work is messy. What they don\u2019t like is silence when things go sideways.If you\u2019re honest about setbacks and communicate regularly, you\u2019ll build long-term trust. Funders appreciate openness way more than sugarcoating.\ud83c\udf0d 6. Community-Centered and Equity-FocusedMore and more funders are prioritizing racial equity, community voice, and inclusion. They want to know:Who\u2019s making decisions?Are you centering those most impacted?How are you accountable to your community?Even small steps matter\u2014be ready to talk about them.At the end of the day, funders want what you want: impact. They want to fund organizations that know their mission, have a plan, and care deeply about the communities they serve.So don\u2019t overthink it. Keep your proposals honest, organized, and community-driven.If grant writing stresses you out, you\u2019re not alone. Whether you need help writing, editing, or just figuring out how to explain your work in a way funders understand\u2014I got you.Call Expert:\u00a0\u00a0+1(216) 255-5151Mail Us:\u00a0\u00a0info@theempowermentcleveland.comSchedule Free Consultation:\u00a0Schedule NowContact form:\u00a0VisitAddress:\u00a07055 Engle Rd. Building 6-601, Middleburg Heights, Ohio 44130Orconnect with me on LinkedIn to start getting your grants funded with less stress."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"What Do Grant Funders Want?","item":"https:\/\/theempowermentcleveland.com\/what-do-grant-funders-want\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]