General
operating support covers the day-to-day costs of running your
organization. These include office space, staff salaries, marketing
materials and other essentials. Technology, too, is sometimes considered
in this category.
For the most part, organizations raise funds for general operating
support from individuals, through annual appeals and the like. Foundations
and corporations
tend to fund programs rather than give unrestricted grants. However,
since an organization's general operations are necessary to enable
a program to take place, they can -- and should -- be incorporated
into almost all proposals. Overhead costs, including salary, administrative
expenses, etc. range from 10 to 20 percent of program proposals.
Some questions to consider:
- How will you support your organization's operations without
relying on this funder?
- Are you currently able to cover your costs?
- Can your target audience fund your operations?
- If not, are there special circumstances for why that group
is not able to financially support these services?
Sometimes, funders that have a relationship with an organization
and a history of supporting it will give a grant for general operating
support. To seek a grant for this type of costs, you will need to
explain how your organization is currently funded and how a grant
fits with your needs.
Look at your programs and your organization's
priorities, and assess which of your programs will translate into
good proposals.
- Do you have any discrete or special projects?
- If not, are there parts of your program that can be formed
into a fundable project?
As a general rule, foundations prefer to fund projects over providing
general support; they want to be able to measure the effect of their
dollars. Look for programs or services that will produce achievable,
exciting and measurable results.
- In 2001, Illinois funders gave 22 percent of their grants
dollars to general support. Illinois funders exceed the national
average of 16 percent.
- General operating support grants tend to be smaller than
those for specific projects or programs.
- The majority of general support grants in 2001 went to organizations
concerned with human services, arts and health.
- Support grants come primarily from private independent foundations,
followed by corporate funders.
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