When it comes to nonprofit funding, few opportunities glitter quite as brightly as the big, shiny open calls from powerhouse players like the Gates Foundation or philanthropic icons such as MacKenzie Scott. These offers dangle the promise of serious financial support, a boost to your nonprofit’s fame, and the potential for future collaborations. The latest example? The launch of Action for Women’s Health, a $250 million global open call spearheaded by Pivotal, a Melinda French Gates organization. This initiative aims to fund organizations worldwide that are committed to improving women’s mental and physical health. With registration now open, the time to evaluate your readiness is now. But should you hit the pause button on your current projects to chase these tempting opportunities? The answer lies in your strategy’s strength and your readiness to jump into the game.
The Allure of Large Open Calls
Pro: Financial IncentiveLet’s face it: the biggest draw of these mega open calls is the jaw-dropping funding. Snagging a grant like this can be a game-changer for your organization, allowing you to launch new programs, expand your reach, or enhance services. The potential to pocket a six- or seven-figure sum can make these opportunities nearly impossible to resist.
Pro: Brand RecognitionWinning a major grant elevates your organization’s profile. Suddenly, you’re on the map, recognized as a leader in your space, and your name is echoing in the halls of influence. Associating with well-respected grantmakers adds instant credibility to your organization and swings open doors to partnerships and collaborations you may have only dreamed of before.
Pro: Future OpportunitiesEven if you don’t take home the grand prize, just being in the running for a large open call can get your organization on the radar for future funding rounds or exclusive invites. This positioning can set you up for long-term benefits and new fundraising prospects.
The Challenges and Considerations
Con: Resource-Intensive ProcessPrepping for an open call can be time-consuming and challenging. If you’re developing the narrative from scratch and pulling together supporting materials, it can easily take 30-40 hours of work. This process can stretch your team thin, especially if you’re juggling multiple priorities. However, the effort invested will not only prepare you for this submission but also build a strong foundation for future grant applications, especially if you're targeting larger opportunities like the Gates RFP. Keep in mind, such open calls often require organizations to have an established grant base, which can add additional pressure.
Con: Risk of OvercommitmentDiverting resources from your core projects can impact your ongoing mission. The laser focus required for these high-stakes applications might mean taking your eye off daily operations, leading to potential hiccups.
Con: Long OddsThe competition is fierce. Only a handful of grants are awarded, and thousands of organizations apply. The odds are daunting, to say the least.
Strategic Planning: When Is It Worth the Leap?
Go for It If...
You already have a solid grants program in place.
Your branding and messaging are sharp and consistent.
Your strategic plan aligns with growth projections and budget constraints.
You’re prepared for the workload and see the process as part of your long-term strategy.
Think Twice If…
The grant’s mission doesn’t align closely with your own.
Your organization doesn’t have the bandwidth to handle the application process without sacrificing core operations.~ Take some time to beef up your development strategy first. A solid plan can help you figure out if the grant is the right move right now.
Steps to Prepare
1. Invest in Learning Opportunities: Don’t skip the webinars and information sessions hosted by program managers. They’re gold mines for understanding what funders are really looking for. Take notes, ask questions, and use these sessions to tailor your approach.
2. Build a Grant Preparation Toolkit: Create a centralized repository of essential documents like your mission statement, impact reports, past grant proposals, and financial statements. Having these at the ready can drastically cut down on prep time.
3. Develop a Yearlong Grant Strategy: Map out a plan that spans the entire year, identifying key grant opportunities and deadlines. By doing this, you’ll avoid the scramble when open calls are announced. This strategy should include periodic reviews and updates to your grant library.
4. Strengthen Your Narrative and Data: Ensure your organization’s story is compelling and supported by up-to-date data. Funders want to see evidence of impact and a clear vision for future outcomes. Work on refining your case studies, testimonials, and data visualizations.
5. Allocate Roles and Responsibilities: Make sure your team knows who’s doing what. Assign specific tasks, such as writing, reviewing, or gathering supporting documents, to avoid confusion and duplication of effort.
Why Some Organizations Hold Back
Even well-positioned organizations sometimes skip certain opportunities, waiting for ones that align better with their strategy. However, this cautious approach can sometimes limit growth. While it’s important to be selective, waiting forever for the perfect opportunity might mean missing out on chances for expansion. The key is balancing caution with ambition—going for calls that fit your strategic framework while staying open to new possibilities.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Caution and Ambition
Large open calls present undeniable opportunities but also significant challenges. To boost your chances of success, weigh the potential rewards against the resources required, and only apply when you’ve got a rock-solid strategy in place. Even if you don’t score the grant, the process can sharpen your grant-writing skills and better position you for future opportunities.
Ready, Set, Strategize
While large open calls can propel your organization forward, approaching them with strategic foresight is crucial. If your nonprofit is eyeing a major open call and needs expert guidance, reach out to Wright Collective. We can help you craft the strategic planning, narrative messaging, and preparation needed to enhance your chances of success. Contact us today to gear up for future opportunities!