Grant Success Rate Benchmarks
Benchmark data by category to help you understand competition levels, typical award sizes, and realistic success rates before investing in an application.
28%
Overall Avg. Success Rate
$370K
Avg. Award Size
120
Avg. Competing Applications
15
Categories Tracked
Note: These benchmarks are illustrative estimates based on publicly available federal agency reports and grant program data. Actual success rates vary significantly by program, fiscal year, and applicant quality. Use as a general guide only.
| Category | Primary Agency | Success Rate | Avg. Award | Avg. Applicants | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Research (Sciences) | NSF / NIH | 22% | $320,000 | 180 | Very High |
| Biomedical Research | NIH | 20% | $410,000 | 210 | Very High |
| Education - K-12 | Dept. of Education | 35% | $125,000 | 95 | Moderate |
| Education - Higher Ed | Dept. of Education | 28% | $280,000 | 130 | High |
| Community Development | HUD | 38% | $500,000 | 75 | Moderate |
| Workforce Development | Dept. of Labor | 31% | $750,000 | 88 | Moderate |
| Public Health | CDC / HRSA | 29% | $350,000 | 145 | High |
| Mental Health Services | SAMHSA | 34% | $220,000 | 110 | Moderate |
| Agriculture / Rural Dev | USDA | 42% | $195,000 | 60 | Low-Moderate |
| Energy / Clean Tech | DOE | 18% | $1,200,000 | 240 | Very High |
| Housing Assistance | HUD | 44% | $450,000 | 55 | Low-Moderate |
| Arts & Culture | NEA / NEH | 25% | $50,000 | 160 | High |
| Environmental Protection | EPA | 33% | $280,000 | 95 | Moderate |
| Small Business Innovation | SBA / SBIR | 15% | $175,000 | 310 | Very High |
| Tribal Programs | BIA / IHS | 48% | $320,000 | 42 | Low |
Find high-fit grants in your category
Use our Grant Score Calculator to assess your competitive position before you apply.
Explore Our Tools