Nonprofits are often eager to get started with grant writing. And often, we advise a cautious approach.

Grants are extremely competitive, with an industry average success rate around 10 percent. That’s true even for nonprofits that have achieved household name status like Habitat for Humanity. It’s even lower for brand new nonprofits, because grantmakers want to see that your operations are stable and that you’re capable of accomplishing what you promise in your grants. They’re more likely to fund organizations with a proven track record — years of success, statistics, awards, and other great credentials.

So what’s a new nonprofit — or a nonprofit that wants to get started with grant writing — to do? We have lots of advice:

• • Is it too soon to start the grant writing process? Find out and learn more about what it takes to get ready for grant writing.

• • How your nonprofit can set up and run a successful grant writing program.

• • Thinking of hiring a grant writer? Here’s what your nonprofit needs before doing so.

• • One good strategy is to look over several grant applications to get a sense of what you might need to get started.

• • Understand that grant writing takes consistent, diligent efforts. Don’t get started unless you’re truly ready to jump in with both feet.

• • Our team gives great grant writing advice for first-time applicants.

There’s lots more we can help you with if you’re ready to get started with grants, or even if you think you’ll need help getting ready. Learn more about our grant writing services here.