Multi-year grants aren’t a fairy tale or an urban myth. While they may seem elusive, nonprofits that build strong relationships with funders and practice good stewardship can secure these highly coveted funding opportunities. Unlike one-time grants, multi-year funding provides financial stability, allowing organizations to focus on long-term impact rather than scrambling for new dollars every year.
The Reality of Multi-Year Funding
Many funders recognize the value of multi-year commitments. According to Candid’s 2024 Foundation Giving Forecast Survey, two-thirds of foundations offer some form of multi-year funding. This statistic should give nonprofits hope: sustainable funding isn’t a dream—this is a reality for those who take a strategic approach.
Multi-year grants provide a runway for growth, allowing organizations to plan ahead, build capacity, and implement programs more effectively. They also reduce the administrative burden of annual reapplications and reporting, freeing up valuable time for mission-driven work.
Why Foundations Offer Multi-Year Grants
Funders don’t just provide multi-year grants out of generosity; they see strategic value in long-term investments. Multi-year funding allows foundations to:
Support long-term impact – Social change doesn’t happen overnight. Investing in multi-year funding helps nonprofits sustain their work beyond short-term fixes.
Reduce grantee burnout – Nonprofits spend significant time seeking funding. Multi-year grants ease this burden and allow organizations to focus on program execution.
Foster stronger partnerships – A long-term funding relationship allows for deeper collaboration and trust between funders and grantees.
Measure and adjust – Longer funding cycles provide an opportunity to assess outcomes, adapt strategies, and improve programs over time.
How Nonprofits Can Secure Multi-Year Funding
While multi-year grants exist, securing one requires intentional effort. Here are key strategies for nonprofits looking to secure sustainable funding:
1. Build Relationships with Funders
Multi-year grants are often awarded to organizations with strong ties to their funders. Engage donors and Grantmakers beyond the application cycle. Regular communication, impact reports, and site visits help demonstrate reliability and effectiveness.
2. Demonstrate Strong Financial Management
Funders want assurance that their investment will be well-managed. A track record of sound financial stewardship, diverse revenue sources, and transparency in reporting increases the likelihood of securing a long-term commitment.
3. Showcase Impact Over Time
Multi-year funding supports long-term impact. Clearly articulate how your organization’s programs create lasting change. Use data, stories, and measurable outcomes to show why continued investment is necessary and effective.
4. Ask the Right Funders
Not all Grantmakers offer multi-year funding, but many do. Use resources like Candid to identify potential funders who align with your mission and have a history of providing multi-year support.
5. Make the Case in Your Grant Proposal
Explicitly request multi-year funding in proposals when appropriate. Highlight the benefits of sustained funding, including program continuity, efficiency, and long-term outcomes.
A Strategic Approach to Sustainability
Multi-year funding isn’t a pipe dream. It’s a real possibility for nonprofits that take the time to cultivate funder relationships, demonstrate impact, and communicate their financial stability. By leveraging the insights from Candid’s latest report and implementing strategic fundraising efforts, organizations can move from year-to-year survival to long-term sustainability.
Cheers,
Michelle Crim, CFRE
Dynamic Development Strategies can help. We offer coaching, grant writing, and fundraising services for our nonprofit clients. We specialize in small to mid-size organizations because we understand your challenges. Please contact us for more information.
Comments