Winning a grant feels like a clear success.
But not every “yes” is a good one.
Some awards come with:
- Heavy reporting requirements
- Limited or no indirect cost recovery
- Strict program restrictions
- Timelines that strain your team
And if those factors aren’t considered upfront, the grant can create more pressure than progress.
I received an email last week from a local neighborhood foundation inviting my client to apply for their grant again this year.
I sent back a diplomatic but clear email response letting them know that we don’t plan to apply this year because their application and reporting workloads are too heavy for the size grant they award. I hope they aren’t offended, but someone has to let them know.
Related: The invisible work draining your grant revenue
A few suggestions:
✅ Review requirements and restrictions before applying — not after award
✅ Factor in staff time and administrative burden
✅ Evaluate whether the grant strengthens or strains your operations
Funding should move your mission forward.
Not complicate it.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants