How an 83% Grant Approval Rate Actually Happens

Описание: In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we’re joined by Deepa Chaudhary, founder of Grant Orb AI, to talk about what really drives grant success — and why so many nonprofit leaders feel stuck in an endless cycle of funding pressure.

Deepa brings a rare perspective to the conversation. She’s worked on both sides of the grant table: writing applications inside nonprofits under real operational pressure, and reviewing and awarding funding from the funder side. Her experience includes co-founding United Way Mumbai, raising funds for international organizations, and working with major foundations, corporate funders, and government agencies across Asia-Pacific. At one point, as a solo fundraiser, she wrote just six grant applications — and five were approved.

That experience shaped how she thinks about grants today. Deepa explains that winning funding isn’t about writing more grants — it’s about alignment. Understanding who a funder is, what they care about, and how your work fits their priorities matters far more than polished language. She also emphasizes the long game: organizations that build real relationships with funders — beyond reports and deadlines — are far more likely to receive repeat funding.

Grant Orb was born out of this reality. Deepa saw firsthand how grant work often falls to executive directors late at night, or doesn’t happen at all because teams simply don’t have the time or capacity. When new AI tools emerged, she saw an opportunity to apply them to one of the most time-consuming parts of nonprofit work. What once took 40–50 hours — researching opportunities, drafting applications, and tailoring responses — can now be done in minutes, starting from unpolished notes.

Because Grant Orb is built by someone who has reviewed grants as a funder, the platform focuses on what actually matters: fit, clarity, and funder priorities. It helps nonprofits find aligned opportunities, strengthen weak sections, and avoid wasting time on grants that were never a good match in the first place. One example Deepa shares is a small Vancouver school that had never written a major grant before, but used the platform to apply for funding and secured $25,000 from the Canada Post Foundation.

At its core, this episode is about access. Deepa’s goal isn’t to replace human judgment, but to level the playing field — so funding success depends less on time, staffing, or budget, and more on the strength of an organization’s mission and ideas.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Why alignment matters in grant funding
03:00 – Deepa’s background on both sides of the grant table
07:00 – What funders actually look for (and why relationships matter)
12:30 – Winning grants through alignment, not volume
17:45 – Why Deepa built Grant Orb
23:00 – Reducing grant work for small nonprofit teams
28:30 – A real example: securing $25,000 without a grant writer

🔗 Links & resources

Connect with Deepa on LinkedIn:
👉 https://www.linkedin.com (search Deepa Chaudhary – Grant Orb AI)

Learn more about Grant Orb AI:
👉 https://grantorb.com

Try the free grant outline tool mentioned in the episode:
👉 https://grantorb.com

About OTUS Financial Solutions

OTUS Financial Solutions works with nonprofits and associations across Canada to strengthen financial management, governance, and long-term sustainability. The insights shared in this podcast are for informational purposes only and are not financial or legal advice.