When is a grant simply not worth it?
When is a good time to leave the money on the table and step away from a funder?
As hard as we fight for grant funding, asking these questions may seem counterintuitive.
I assure you, they are not.
And here is why…
Sponsored Content
Not all funding is good funding.
And not all funders are good funders.
For example, for years, I applied for and was awarded a $10K grant on behalf of my client from a local women’s club in Florida.
I finally stepped away from that grant and never looked back.
Why would I step away from $10,000?
Here are a few reasons:
- Overly restrictive requirements: They required three years of detailed financials, a financial audit, and a 14-page proposal…for $10K. I have won $100K grants with less effort than this grant.
- Ridiculous reporting: They require the final report to be submitted before applying for the next grant cycle. So, 7 months after receiving funding, I have to complete a 5-page final report that requires detailed accounting with numbered and scanned receipts showing how the funding was spent. Again, all this for $10K.
- Bureaucracy: One year, we didn’t get the grant. My Executive Director said it was because they were pissed that we didn’t allow them to throw our holiday party for us. We already had plans and a venue arranged, and they got mad about it and punished us for a year by withholding the grant.
I am certain that with the extra time I have by NOT applying for this grant, I have made up for and won additional funding.
It is OK to step away from a funder.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants
P.S. Are you new to Write Epic Grants? Don’t worry; all past emails are archived here. Head over there and don’t miss a thing.