We've all been there - spending countless hours on grant applications only to hear crickets. According to the 2024 State of Grantseeking Report, organizations that submit fewer than three applications have a whopping 38% chance of winning zero awards. Ouch!
Before you dive into your next application, let’s look at some warning signs that you might be investing your energy in the wrong opportunities:
1. Your Work Doesn’t Aligns with Their Interests
You're looking at a funder who supports environmental justice while your organization focuses on conservation. There's some overlap, sure, but you find yourself doing mental gymnastics to connect the dots. If you have to get too creative explaining how your wildlife sanctuary promotes social equity, it might be time to look elsewhere.
2. There’s a Geographic Mismatch
You've scoured their past grants and noticed they've never ventured outside of the Northeast. Meanwhile, your programs serve communities in New Mexico. While there's a first time for everything, their consistent regional focus isn't just a coincidence - it's their strategy. Instead of trying to be their geographic exception, why not build relationships with funders who already know and love your community?
Success Story: One of our clients spent months chasing a nationally focused foundation before redirecting their energy to local funders. Within six months, they secured $50,000 from organizations who already understood their community's unique challenges.
3. Your Planning Is More Wishful Thinking Than Strategy
Your team's response to timeline questions involves a lot of "um" and "well..." The budget is still a work in progress, and your evaluation metrics are more aspirational than actual. These aren't just pesky details - they're the foundation of a solid proposal. Maybe give your project a little more time to bake?
4. The Award Amount Doesn't Make Sense
Let's talk about that 15-page application for a $2,000 grant. Even if you love writing proposals (and who doesn't, am I right?), your time and expertise deserve respect. Successful organizations know when a grant is too small to justify the investment. Save your energy for opportunities that match your effort!
5. You're Not Ready for Their Requirements
They want three years of audited financials, but you have one. They need a 50% match when your match is looking more like 5%. Their quarterly reporting requirements would keep your already-busy staff up at night. Sometimes it's not about whether you could win the grant - it's about whether it will enable your organization to thrive.
Remember, in the world of grants, it's not just about applying everywhere and hoping something sticks - it's about being strategic with your time and energy, because let's face it, those Netflix shows won't watch themselves while you're writing proposals that are destined for the "thanks, but no thanks" pile.
Ready to make smart decisions? Get our Grant Decision Guide.
Comments