When I was in college, I was desperate to take an exclusive seminar taught by one of my favorite authors. The seminar was only offered for one semester and wasn’t aligned with my major.
I didn’t care. I wanted to take it. I was interested in the subject matter and knew it would benefit me. My college advisor looked me dead in the eyes and said, “Not everything is meant for you.”
I didn’t take the seminar, but I learned a valuable lesson. Just because something is offered doesn’t mean it is for you.
Even though your non-profit is inspiring and does amazing work doesn’t mean that every grant opportunity is meant for you. Don’t get sucked into the mindset of “we aren’t exactly aligned, but if they read my proposal, they will surely fund my grant.”
They won’t. And you will waste your time writing a grant for something that is not meant for you.
Grant Writing Tip of the Day
Demonstrate sustainability to show your project’s long-term viability.
If I had to guess, I would say that 25% of my time and effort is spent vetting grant opportunities. I ask the following questions:
- Are we aligned with the funder’s mission?
- Is the funder accepting unsolicited applications?
- Are we located within the funding geographic focus area?
- Do we meet all of the stated grant guidelines?
- Do we match the types of organizations that have been funded in the past?
- Do I have the necessary submission documents available and updated?
- Does our ask amount align with the funder’s average grant award?
Based on the answers to these questions, I proceed or not. If there is any question about whether we meet the grant guidelines, I email or call the funder and ask. Grant writing is time-consuming, and I don’t want to waste my client’s time and money writing grants we absolutely won’t win.
There are plenty of grant opportunities out there that ARE meant for you. Focus on those.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants