The Myth of the Silver Bullet Grant
- Michelle Crim, CFRE
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
“We just need to get that one big grant.”
This familiar statement sounds hopeful, maybe even strategic. But the belief that one major grant will solve your fundraising challenges is both misleading and risky. Grants are powerful tools, but there’s no magic, silver bullet in nonprofit funding.
Why the Silver Bullet Grant Doesn’t Exist
Grants are competitive, time-consuming, and require more than a compelling mission. Even the strongest proposals can be rejected, and many grants come with restrictions that limit how funds are used.
Pinning your hopes on a single large grant can leave your organization vulnerable. What happens when the grant ends? What if this grant isn’t renewed? Sustainable growth isn’t built on one specific funder
The Risk of Going Too Big, Too Soon
New or smaller organizations are sometimes encouraged to “go big” right away. But applying for six-figure grants without a track record can waste time and deflate staff morale.
Focus instead on:
Cultivate funder relationships
Build a strong and wide base of individual donors at all levels
Strengthening internal capacity in both fundraising and programs
Demonstrating outcomes with smaller grants or local funding
What to Build Instead of a Silver Bullet
1. A Diverse Revenue Portfolio
Balance grants with a majority of individual giving, some corporate partnerships, other giving partnerships, and earned income. This protects your mission from sudden shifts.
2. A Multi-Year Fundraising Plan
Map out realistic goals, funding sources, and timelines. Use this plan to stay focused and measure progress over time.
3. Grant Readiness Before You Apply
Before pursuing a large grant, make sure your organization is prepared. Funders want to see measurable outcomes, financial controls, and a clear plan to manage funds and reporting.
A Real-World Reset
A client once came to us determined to apply for a $100,000 grant. After reviewing their readiness, we suggested starting with a smaller $15,000 request that aligned with their mission and budget size. That one relationship led to renewals, and a few years later, they did receive a multi-year six-figure grant.
They didn’t find a silver bullet. They built a strategic, thoughtful cultivation strategy.
What Really Drives Grant Success
Strong grant programs grow from intention, relationships, and readiness. If you're chasing a single “win,” you may miss out on smaller but more strategic opportunities.
Unfortunately, there’s no magic silver bullet grant, but there are paths to sustainable funding.
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.
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