Making the Case for General Operating Support: A Grant Writer’s Guide

In today’s nonprofit funding landscape, one conversation is gaining momentum: the shift toward general operating support (GOS). Once seen as a long shot, unrestricted funding is becoming more accessible as funders recognize the need for flexibility, trust, and sustainability in the organizations they support.

Why General Operating Support Matters

For nonprofits, GOS is a lifeline. It covers salaries, operational infrastructure, technology, professional development, and more—things that make programs possible but often go unfunded. Especially in a post-pandemic world, unrestricted support has proven critical for resilience and long-term impact.

GOS gives organizations breathing room: to plan, pivot, and grow. It acknowledges that nonprofit leaders—not funders—are best equipped to decide where dollars are most needed.

A Shift in Funder Mindsets

Philanthropy is evolving. Movements like trust-based philanthropy and equity-centered grantmaking are encouraging funders to move beyond project-based funding. Many are now prioritizing long-term relationships, reducing grantee burden, and providing flexible support.

Foundations such as the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, and Open Society Foundations are publicly committing large-scale GOS to advance organizational health and mission achievement. Local and family foundations are following suit, recognizing the real-world benefits of funding the whole organization—not just the program.

How to Write Proposals That Secure GOS

While general support can feel harder to justify on paper, it’s all about strategy and storytelling. Here’s how to make a compelling case:

1. Lead with Mission & Impact

Focus on your mission, your vision, and your track record. Funders want to know: What change are you making in the world?  Be clear, confident, and results-oriented.

2. Show ROI—Return on Investment

Demonstrating return on investment is crucial when requesting GOS. Here are a few ways to show ROI:

• Cost-effectiveness: Share how unrestricted dollars amplify your impact—such as reaching more people, reducing overhead per participant, or scaling successful models.

• Capacity-building wins: Highlight what GOS has helped you achieve—hiring key staff, upgrading systems, expanding your reach, or building sustainability.

• Leverage potential: Explain how general support helps attract other funders, public contracts, or earned revenue streams.

• Data & storytelling: Pair metrics with stories that show how a strong infrastructure powers your mission. Funders love numbers, but they remember stories.

  
  

3. Be Transparent About Needs

Don’t shy away from saying you need support for operations, staff retention, or sustainability. Be honest and strategic. Position it as essential infrastructure that enables high-quality programming and long-term impact.

4. Align With Funder Priorities

Even when asking for unrestricted support, tailor your request to each funder. Research their values, past grants, and published priorities. Show how your work supports their goals—even without tying dollars to a specific project.

Trust is the Key to Unrestricted Giving

Building relationships is everything. GOS is often awarded to organizations that funders know and trust. Keep funders informed, not just during grant cycles. Send occasional updates, invite them to events, and share your successes and your challenges. Trust is built through transparency and consistency.

Final Thoughts

General operating support isn’t just a trend—it’s a tool for organizational equity and effectiveness. When we advocate for GOS, we’re not just asking for money. We’re asking for trust, flexibility, and a vote of confidence in our leadership.

As grant writers and nonprofit professionals, we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to educate funders, tell the whole story, and make the case for the funding our organizations truly need.

Need Help Crafting a Winning GOS Proposal?

At Just Write Grants, we specialize in writing strong, strategic narratives that make funders say yes—even to unrestricted requests. Whether you're new to GOS or looking to refine your approach, we’re here to help you build trust, tell your story, and secure the support your mission deserves.

Let’s talk. Schedule a free consultation today »