Grant Writing Tips: A simple way to get your grant ask "just right"

One of the biggest sticking points I see for nonprofits is this: how much grant funding should we actually ask for?

Should we go for the full amount listed in the grant guidelines? Should we keep it modest so we don’t scare them off? Should we ask for what we really need, even if it feels like a lot?

If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing your budget or wondering what number will give you the best shot at getting funded, you’re not alone.

The good news? There is a way to figure it out. And it’s kind of like that old story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Not too much. Not too little. Just right.

To find that “just right” number there are three questions you should ask yourself:

1. What’s the funder’s capacity?

Many grant guidelines include clear instructions on what you can apply for. Maybe it’s a one-time grant of up to $30,000. Maybe multi-year funding is available. Sometimes the amounts vary based on the scope of your organization, like higher ceilings for provincial groups and smaller caps for local initiatives.

But don’t stop there. Look for clues in past funding decisions. Some funders publish lists of previous grantees and how much each received. If not, a quick news search might reveal public announcements or cheque presentation photos. Tools like GrantConnect can also give you a snapshot of typical grant sizes.

If you find that most past recipients received $10,000 and you’re planning to request $75,000, that’s a flag to pause and reconsider. Make sure your ask fits the funder's usual giving patterns.

2. What’s the cost of your project?

Now, flip the lens inward. What do you really need?

A grant request should always match your project budget. That sounds simple, but sometimes there’s pressure to stretch the ask or tailor the program to the grant instead of the other way around. Resist that urge.

Use real numbers. Check quotes. Pull up actuals from last year. If you’re running a small community workshop series, a $100,000 request probably won’t pass the sniff test. But if you’re scaling a multi-site program, a larger ask might be completely appropriate.

The amount you request should feel aligned with the scale, duration, and complexity of what you're proposing. Funders can spot inflated budgets or underdeveloped ones from a mile away.

3. How strong is your relationship with the funder?

If this is your first time applying, and you haven’t met with the funder or had any prior connection, it’s smart to keep your ask modest. That doesn’t mean undercutting your project, but it does mean being realistic about what someone might feel comfortable funding on a first date.

Some funders, especially foundations and corporate donors, want to build relationships over time. They’re more likely to support bigger initiatives once they’ve seen you follow through, report back, and make good use of the initial funding.

If you already have a relationship, maybe you’ve received a grant in the past or had a one-on-one conversation with the program officer, you can often aim a little higher. And of course, government funders are in a different category altogether with more standardized processes and fewer expectations of prior connection.

Finding your "just right" number

There’s no universal formula, but the sweet spot usually sits at the intersection of:

• What the funder typically gives

• What your project actually needs

• How well you know and have engaged with the funder

  
  

A thoughtful, well-reasoned ask builds trust. It shows that you’ve done your homework, planned responsibly, and aren’t just throwing a number at the wall. The right ask makes the funder feel confident saying yes. And it opens the door for future support too.

Need help figuring out your next grant ask?

If you're feeling unsure about how much to request or want a second set of eyes on your proposal, I’d love to help. Book a free discovery call and let’s talk through your funding goals, challenges, and where grants can support your work.