What is an RFP in grant writing?
RFP is one of the most common grant writing acronyms. What is an RFP in grant writing? It stands for “request for proposal.” Grantmakers, whether a foundation or a government entity, release RFPs ahead of a grant submission deadline.
Quick answer
RFP stands for Request for Proposal. In grant writing, an RFP is a formal document released by a funder – a foundation, government agency, or corporation – that invites eligible organizations to apply for funding. It outlines eligibility requirements, priorities, deadlines, budget parameters, and submission guidelines. Similar terms include RFA (Request for Application) and NOFA (Notice of Funding Availability), which are more common with government funders. Not all foundations release RFPs – many simply post open guidelines on their websites.
What is an RFP in grant writing?
The RFP contains everything you need to know as an applicant, from the submission guidelines and deadline to a grantmaker’s priorities and contact information. There might also be details about budget specifications, required attachments, response timeline, and more.
You may also see the acronyms RFA (Request for Application) and NOFA (Notice of Funding Availability). These are essentially the same as an RFP, though you’re more likely to see the NOFA acronym associated with government funding opportunities.
What does a grant RFP typically include?
When a funder releases an RFP, it is essentially a formal invitation for eligible organizations to compete for funding. Understanding what to look for inside a grant RFP can make the difference between a strong response and a missed opportunity.
Most RFPs for nonprofits will outline the following:
- Funder priorities and goals – What the grant maker wants to achieve with this round of funding, and what types of projects or programs they will consider.
- Eligibility requirements – Who can apply, including organization type, geographic focus, and any required credentials such as 501(c)(3) status.
- Funding amount and budget parameters – The total amount available, the maximum grant size per applicant, and any restrictions on how funds can be used. Understanding direct vs. indirect costs before you build your budget response is essential.
- Submission format and required attachments – Whether the application must follow a specific template, word count, or page limit, and what supporting documents are needed.
- Deadline and timeline – The submission date, and often a projected timeline for review, award announcements, and grant start dates. Knowing how these timelines work can help you plan your grant writing process more effectively.
- Contact information – Who to reach out to with questions, if the funder permits it.
Reading an RFP thoroughly – and more than once – before beginning to write is one of the most important steps in developing a strong grant application.
How to find RFPs
Most foundations do not release an RFP in grant writing. Instead, they simply list their open opportunities on their websites, along with their guidelines. You may be able to find some open RFPs through the RFP Bulletin from Philanthropy News Digest. Their system allows searches by subject, location, and keyword. The RFPs include application deadlines, links to full RFPs, and more information about the application.
When there is no RFP
Not all foundation grantmakers release RFPs in grant writing even though they’re currently issuing grant awards. They just don’t have a formal RFP release; their guidelines might be found on their websites. There are also several grants databases that list grant opportunities, including Instrumentl and Candid. Foundations are more likely to release RFPs to announce one-time funding opportunities or new deadlines. If you have questions about a grantmaker’s application or guidelines, we encourage you to call or email the foundation. That’s also a great way to get to know a grantmaker, and introduce your nonprofit’s work. Unless, of course, they specifically state that they do not want to be contacted.
Tips for responding to a grant writing RFP
Responding to an RFP is not simply about answering questions — it is about demonstrating that your organization is the right fit for this specific funding opportunity. Here are key practices to keep in mind:
Follow the instructions exactly. If the RFP specifies a page limit, font size, or required attachments, adhere to every detail. Funders use RFPs to evaluate how well applicants can follow direction, and deviations – even small ones – can result in disqualification.
Address the funder’s priorities, not just your own. Your proposal should reflect the language and goals outlined in the RFP. Mirror the funder’s framing where relevant, and make the connection between their priorities and your program’s outcomes explicit.
Use SMART objectives. Funders responding to RFPs expect measurable results. Building your program goals around strong SMART objectives makes your proposal more competitive and easier for reviewers to evaluate.
Avoid common mistakes. Many organizations lose competitive RFP responses to avoidable errors in clarity, budget alignment, or narrative structure. Reviewing common grant writing mistakes before you submit can strengthen your final product significantly.
Start early. Federal RFPs in particular can require extensive documentation, certifications, and partner letters. If you are responding to a government RFP, be sure to review what nonprofits need to know about federal grants before you begin.
If the RFP process feels overwhelming or your team lacks the bandwidth to respond competitively, working with a professional grant writing consultant can significantly improve your chances.
Learn more about our grant writing services here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does RFP stand for in grant writing?
RFP stands for Request for Proposal. It is a formal document released by a funder inviting eligible organizations to submit a grant application for a specific funding opportunity.
What is the grant RFP meaning?
A grant RFP signals that a funder has defined goals, available funding, and a formal review process open to competitive applications. It tells you exactly what to submit, by when, and what the funder prioritizes.
What is an RFP in grant writing for nonprofits?
For nonprofits, an RFP is a structured funding announcement – most common from government agencies and larger foundations – that outlines eligibility, required outcomes, deadlines, and submission requirements.
What is the difference between an RFP, RFA, and NOFA?
All three serve the same purpose. RFP (Request for Proposal) and RFA (Request for Application) are used interchangeably by foundations and agencies. NOFA (Notice of Funding Availability) is more common with government programs and is often published in the Federal Register.
How do I find RFPs for nonprofits?
Check Philanthropy News Digest’s RFP Bulletin, Grants.gov for federal opportunities, and databases like Instrumentl and Candid. Many funders also post RFPs directly on their own websites.
Do all foundations release RFPs?
No. Many private foundations – especially smaller ones – simply post open guidelines on their websites without a formal RFP. RFPs are more common among government funders and large national foundations.
Should I hire a grant writer to respond to an RFP?
For complex or federal RFPs, yes. Professional support significantly improves quality and competitiveness. Explore our grant writing services or learn more about what hiring a grant writer costs to find the right fit.
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