RFPs are the Biggest Time Waster in Nonprofit Fundraising

RFPs are the Biggest Time Waster in Nonprofit Fundraising

RFPs are the biggest time-waster in nonprofit fundraising.

Based on our data, 91% of foundations do not accept applications.

So when you chase open RFPs, you immediately eliminate 91% of available funding.

The remaining 9% fragments further. Each RFP targets specific causes, geographies, or organization types. Competition clusters around the same narrow slice.

Meanwhile, 87% of foundations add new grantees every year outside the open application process.

They ARE funding new organizations. Just not through RFPs.

Still, especially among nonprofits doing $2–$10M in revenue, I see fundraisers gravitate toward open RFPs.

They’re easy to find.
They’re clearly labeled.
They give the feeling of progress.

They often go nowhere.

To actually win more grants, start by identifying relevance:

Look for foundations funding organizations like yours in mission and size.
Review their grant histories to understand alignment patterns.
Map relationships that might connect you to program officers or board members.

If you keep chasing open RFPs, you’ll stay stuck with everyone else.