Why It’s Important to Apply for Grants – Even When the Odds Are Super Slim
As we pass the halfway+ mark of the year, it’s time to reflect on our grant – evaluation application marathon. So far, we’ve thrown our hats into the ring for over 25 proposals, fully aware that some of them might end up in the dreaded “thanks, but no thanks” pile.
In reality, the success rate for many grants hovers around 30%.
The truth: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Wayne Gretzky (NHL player from Canada) (and every grant writer ever) couldn’t have said it better. If we don’t apply, we’ve got a zero percent chance of winning.
Applying for grants is like playing the lottery – but with better odds and a lot more paperwork. Every grant application is a learning experience, a chance to refine our pitches, and an opportunity to remind ourselves why we love this (sometimes crazy) process.
Remember, “You cannot win if you do not play.” So, we’re here to play, and play we shall!
Think of it like the Olympics. Athletes train for years, knowing there’s no guarantee they’ll win a medal. But they show up, give it their all, and sometimes, they achieve greatness. Other times, they get valuable experience and motivation to come back stronger. Our grant applications are our Olympic events. We’re competing, refining our skills, and getting better with each attempt.
Sure, many of our proposals might not secure funding, but each one brings us a step closer to that elusive jackpot. It’s like fishing: sometimes you reel in a big one, and sometimes you just enjoy the peace and quiet (okay, maybe not so much quiet) 😊
So, as we sail through the rest of the year, let’s keep casting our lines, applying for grants with the knowledge that every effort counts. Our persistence will eventually pay off, and when it does, we’ll be celebrating like we just found a golden ticket in a chocolate bar.
Keep the faith, keep applying, and remember – the grant gods mostly favor the bold!
PC- taken during my recent trip to the great city of Atlanta.
