Overview

If $150,000 showed up in your account tomorrow, what would that funding be recognizing?

Think about the work, the value, the momentum, or the outcomes that would justify investment at that level. What have you already built that merits this scale of support? What would this capital allow you to accomplish?

This exercise asks you to identify the work you're doing that deserves to be resourced at a meaningful level. The work that reflects your full capacity and vision.

Sit with that question before moving forward. Let it reframe what feels possible.

What the Data Reveals

Understanding the broader funding landscape helps you set realistic expectations and identify where to strengthen your approach.

📊 Smaller organizations face lower success rates
Organizations with limited staffing capacity and fewer systems report success rates below 50%. Infrastructure matters. Systems improve competitiveness.

📊 Mid-size budgets attract larger awards
Organizations with annual budgets between $100K and $1M tend to receive more substantial funding. Reaching this scale signals operational maturity that funders value.

📊 Application volume is rising faster than available awards
Many organizations apply for more grants than they receive. Competition is increasing, which makes preparation and strategic targeting more important than volume.

📊 Federal funding plays a significant role
39% of surveyed organizations in 2025 reported federal grants as a regular funding source. Federal programs offer larger awards but require stronger infrastructure and longer timelines.

📊 Diversified funding strengthens stability
Organizations that rely on a mix of federal, state, foundation, and corporate sources report better grant readiness and more predictable revenue. A diverse funding stack reduces dependence on any single source.

Sources: GrantStation State of GrantSeeking 2023, 2024, 2025

What’s Next

You’ll move into the Business Narrative lesson and complete the activity that shapes the core statements for your purpose, your community, your value, and your upcoming milestones.