9 Things Funders Want From Fundraisers in Grant Applications

Generally don’t request more than 30 percent of the project budget. “A lot of funders don’t want to be the only one funding it. They want to feel like they’re part of a group of people; they want to be participating with others interested in that program,” Kennelly said.

Kennelly also added that for “every one of these things there is an exception” — i.e., an organization she participates in, Impact 100, wants to fund about 75 percent of its initiatives, and there are a few grantmakers that fund operating costs.