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This month one of my clients got some disappointing news from a funder.

After a lot of hard work to communicate with the funder, align with their priorities, and write multiple drafts of a proposal for their review, they got the dreaded email. Not this time.

A “no” can be really hard to hear because we all have a lot riding on our grantwriting. Every “no” brings up fears that our dreams to change the world will be harder than we anticipated.

But as grantwriters, we need to remember that a “no” is not a “never.” Sometimes “no” is just "not yet" or "not us, but someone else."

So next time you hear “no,” I want you to come back to these mindset shifts that are important to remember as a grantwriter.

Actionable tips:

Rejection is normal: Yup, you heard it right. Rejection is par for the course in grant writing (and in life, really). Instead of letting it deter you, view rejection as a stepping stone to growth and improvement.

Future sustainability > immediate results: OK, immediate results would be pretty great. But it's too easy to get caught up in the desire for instant gratification. Focusing on long-term success is critical for grantwriting. This is a long game. Plant the seeds for future success, and watch your efforts bloom over time.

Accept constructive criticism to get better: Hearing feedback can be challenging. But here's the thing—it's essential for growth. Embrace feedback as a means of refining your skills and improving your proposals.

Small Mistakes? Don't Sweat It: Sure, attention to detail is crucial. But getting hung up on minor typos or slip-ups won't serve you in the long run. Keep your focus on the bigger picture—the importance of your nonprofit’s work and the impact you will make when you get the grant.

Remember, the reason many nonprofits rely on grants is because they offer long-term, sustainable funding. Each "no" provides valuable insights to inform your future efforts. See it as an opportunity to grow and learn, and trust that your dedication will pay off in due time!

National funder of the week

Kubota Tractor Company is accepting applications for its Hometown Proud grants through April 12, 2024. Funding is available for community-based projects located within 50 miles of a Kubota dealer. Kubota will invest in communities across the country through 10 grants of $10,000 and 10 grants of $50,000.

In case you missed it

That’s all for this week!

Tracy

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Founder, Tracy Babler & Associates LLC
​@nonprofitgrantmagic​

6417 Penn Ave S, Ste 7-220, Minneapolis, MN. 55423
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