The “Apply for Every Grant” Myth Debunked (And 3 More Grant Myths You Should Know)
Have you ever been told to apply for every grant opportunity you find? It’s a common piece of advice, but it’s also one of the worst myths in grant writing. Chasing every available grant wastes time and resources, and it could actually hurt your overall funding strategy.
In this post, I’ll break down the myth of “apply for every grant” and reveal what you should focus on instead to maximize your chances of securing impactful funding. By the end, you’ll know how to make smarter, data-driven decisions in your grant strategy.
Myth 1: You Should Apply for Any and Every Grant Opportunity
It’s easy to understand how this myth started. Boards and nonprofit leaders often believe that applying to more grants will increase their chances of securing funding. It’s an “all-hands-on-deck” mentality that seems logical on the surface.
Why It’s a Myth: Let’s compare two real-world scenarios. I once worked on a 13-page grant application for $20,000. That same week, I completed a different grant application for $50,000, requiring only a 10,000-character narrative. Both took significant time, but the return on effort wasn’t remotely equal.
Grant writing isn’t just about effort—it’s about focusing on opportunities that align with your organization’s goals and offer the best return on your investment. A scattershot approach is inefficient and often leads to burnout.
Myth 2: Grant Writing is All About Writing
Many think grant writing begins and ends with putting words on paper. They believe that a skilled writer can secure funding regardless of preparation or strategy.
Why It’s a Myth: Successful grant applications start long before the writing process. For instance, I allocate two months for each grant. This includes researching funders, identifying key priorities, and preparing 3-4 polished drafts of the narrative. Without this groundwork, even the most eloquent proposal is unlikely to succeed.
Myth 2: Don’t reach out to funders - they won’t respond.
Some believe that as long as the grant application is strong, there’s no need to connect with funders beforehand.
Why It’s a Myth: Funders are more likely to award grants to organizations they know and trust. That’s why I dedicate an entire month to outreach—meeting with funders, understanding their priorities, and aligning my organization’s goals with their mission. Relationships matter in grant writing, and they often make the difference between a win and a rejection.
What to do Instead
If you want to win more grants, here’s what works:
Develop a Funding Strategy: Focus on grants that align with your mission and offer a high return on investment. Use tools like funder 990s to calculate your odds before applying.
Plan for Success: Dedicate enough time for research, writing, and revisions. A well-prepared application is more likely to succeed than a rushed one.
Build Relationships: Engage with funders early and often. Show them you understand their priorities and how your organization fits their goals.
Applying for every grant might sound like a good idea, but it’s a myth that needs to go. By focusing on strategic opportunities, dedicating time to preparation, and building relationships, you can maximize your chances of winning impactful funding.
Ready to ditch the guesswork and start winning? Let’s create a WINNING Funding Strategy tailored to your organization. Stop applying for everything and start applying for success!
