General operating support, also known as unrestricted or core operating support, invests in a grantee’s mission rather than specific projects or programs. It allows grantees to use funds as they see fit to reach their goals—whether for salaries and overhead, to invest in technology, or to fund a marketing campaign.
General operating support represents a vote of confidence in your grantees, frees their time to focus on mission rather than supplemental fundraising, and helps to decrease burnout among their leaders.
For small foundations, general operating support can be a perfect niche. Because it requires a high level of trust in grantees, it is a good fit for small foundations that tend to be closely connected to their communities and more familiar with their grantees.
Is it right for you?