General Operating Grants: What You Need to Know

Ah, general operating grants—the dream, the myth, the nonprofit unicorn. If you’ve ever sighed longingly at the thought of funding that isn’t tied to 47 specific deliverables and a 12-tab spreadsheet, you’re not alone. These magical grants are the golden ticket of nonprofit funding. But let’s be real, they can be tough to get.

Still, don’t lose hope. With the right approach (and a little sparkle), you can position your organization to snag one. Let’s talk about what general operating support actually is, why it’s so cherished, what you can spend it on, and how to write a proposal that funders will love.

🧾 What Is a General Operating Grant?

In simple terms: general operating support (GOS) is funding for your organization as a whole, not just a specific program or project.

It covers the unglamorous, but completely essential stuff like:

• Staff salaries

• Rent and utilities

• Office supplies

• Professional development

• Tech and software

• Strategic planning

• Organizational growth

In other words—the backbone of your mission.

Unlike project-based grants that require you to spend every dollar on one initiative, general operating funds give you the flexibility to strengthen your organization overall. That means better infrastructure, better services, and a better chance of long-term impact.

🧗 Why Are They So Hard to Get?

Here’s the thing: funders love measurable impact. They like numbers, outcomes, stories of change. And when they give to a specific program, they know exactly what their dollars are supporting.

General operating grants? Well... they require a bit more trust. Funders need to believe that your whole organization is worthy of investment—that you’ll be good stewards of their support without micromanagement.

That level of trust doesn’t come overnight.

You might hear funders say:

• “We only fund programs.”

• “We require detailed use-of-funds documentation.”

• “We want to see impact tied to specific activities.”

Translation: “We’re nervous about giving you free rein with our dollars.”

But don't panic.

There are funders out there who get it—who understand that a strong organization equals strong impact. You just need to show them you’re worth betting on.

💸 What Can You Spend It On?

Short answer: whatever helps you do your job better.

Long answer: General operating grants are designed to help you cover core expenses. That could include:

• Paying your amazing staff a living wage

• Updating outdated computers

• Keeping the lights (and Wi-Fi) on

• Evaluating programs

• Hosting community events

• Refreshing your website or branding

• Building a reserve fund (if the funder allows)

Some grants may still have light restrictions (like requiring a report on how funds were used), but you usually get to decide what "operating" looks like for you.

✍️ How to Build a Strong Proposal for General Operating Support

Since you’re not selling a single project, you’ve got to sell something even bigger: your mission, your team, and your impact.

Here’s how to stand out:

1. Tell Your Story—Well

Give funders a reason to care about your work as a whole. What problem do you solve? How are you uniquely positioned to solve it? Why does your community trust you?

2. Show Your Impact

Even though the funding isn’t for a program, results still matter. Use data, testimonials, and stories to prove that your work makes a difference—and that unrestricted dollars will make it even better.

3. Demonstrate Strong Leadership

Funders give to people as much as missions. Talk about your leadership, your board, your financial management practices, and your strategic vision. Show them you’re responsible, transparent, and forward-thinking.

4. Make a Clear Case for Why You Need It

Don’t be shy about the reality: it takes real resources to run a strong organization. Explain how general support will allow you to grow, stabilize, innovate—or just keep doing what you do best.

5. Align With the Funder’s Values

Do your research. Find funders who already support general operating expenses and tailor your proposal to match their priorities and language.

🪄 In Conclusion: Yes, You Can Catch the Unicorn

General operating grants may be rare, but they’re not impossible. Funders are increasingly realizing that real impact comes from strong, healthy organizations—not just shiny new programs. So don’t be afraid to ask. Make the case. Share your big-picture vision. Be real about your needs.

Because when it comes down to it, funding your foundation is what makes everything else possible.

Need help crafting a strong case for general support? Or want help finding funders who offer it? We’ve got you. Let’s make your next proposal your strongest one yet.

Featured Image by Campaign Creators