Can You Apply for Multiple Grants at Once? Here’s What You Need to Know

By Willie Finklin, CFRE, The Grant GOAT

You’ve found three, four—maybe even five—grants that seem like the perfect fit for your nonprofit.
But now you’re hesitating.
Can I apply for multiple grants at the same time?
Will that make me look desperate?
Will funders find out and get turned off?

Let me put your mind at ease:
Yes, you absolutely can apply for multiple grants at once.
In fact, you should.

Here’s why—and more importantly—here’s how to do it right.

Why Applying for Multiple Grants is Smart (Not Desperate)

Let’s be clear:
The competition for grants is fierce.
Even the most well-written proposals don’t always get funded, and many grants have limited spots and tight criteria.

If you’re only applying for one grant at a time, you’re putting your entire organization’s future on a single roll of the dice.
That’s not strategy—that’s a gamble.

Multiple applications mean:

• More chances to win

• Diversified funding streams

• Less reliance on one funder’s decision

It’s not desperation—it’s diversification.

The Right Way to Apply for Multiple Grants

Just because you can apply for multiple grants doesn’t mean you should do it recklessly.
You need a plan.

1. Build a Grant Calendar

Map out your deadlines, eligibility requirements, and submission dates.
That way, you’re not scrambling at the last minute or—worse—missing deadlines.

Pro Tip: Use a simple spreadsheet with columns for:

• Grant Name

• Submission Deadline

• Funder Contact

• Required Documents

• Follow-Up Date

This keeps you organized and prevents overlap.

2. Understand Restrictions on Double Dipping

Some grants don’t allow you to use their funds for the same project that another grant is funding.
It’s called “double dipping,” and funders frown on it.

To avoid this:

• Read the fine print. Some funders are fine with co-funding; others are not.

• Segment your projects. Apply one grant to program expenses and another to operational costs.

• Document everything. Be ready to show where every dollar is going.

If you’re clear and transparent, funders respect that.

3. Customize Every Application—No Copy-Pasting

It’s tempting to write one beautiful proposal and copy-paste it across five applications.
But here’s the truth: funders can tell.

Each grant has its own priorities, language, and evaluation criteria.
If you don’t tailor your proposal to match those, you’re just throwing spaghetti at the wall.

Focus on:

• Language: Mirror the keywords they use in their guidelines.

• Priorities: If the funder prioritizes education, lead with that—not just your general mission.

• Examples: Use case studies or stories that align with their interests.

Grant writing is about alignment, not just completion.

4. Track Your Progress and Follow Up

If you’re applying for multiple grants, you need to know:

• When you submitted each one

• Who the main contact is

• When to expect a decision

• When to follow up

Don’t leave it to memory.
Create a system—whether that’s a CRM, a spreadsheet, or even just a calendar reminder.

Pro Tip: A well-timed follow-up can be the difference between getting funded and getting forgotten.

5. Be Honest If Asked

If a funder asks if you’re pursuing other grants for the same project, don’t hide it.
You can simply say:
"Yes, we are applying for multiple grants to ensure sustainability and strengthen our impact. We have segmented the project so that each grant funds a specific component to avoid overlap."

Funders don’t mind you seeking diversified support. They mind when you hide it.

The Power of Momentum

Here’s the thing:
Applying for multiple grants isn’t just about increasing your odds—it’s about building momentum.

When you start seeing those wins stack up, your organization gains credibility.
Other funders start to take notice.
Your programs get stronger.

And before you know it, you’re not chasing grants—grants are finding you.

Final Word: You Can’t Win If You Don’t Apply

If you’ve been waiting for “just the right grant” or hesitating because you didn’t want to seem desperate, it’s time to shift that mindset.
Strategy beats scarcity.

When you’re organized, strategic, and transparent, multiple applications don’t make you look desperate.
They make you look serious.

Apply with intention.
Apply with clarity.
And watch your funding opportunities multiply.

We’re here to support you when you’re ready to expand that pipeline.