By: Stacy Keith
Time to dust off those writing and research skills for 2026 and prepare ahead to tackle grants if you are a non-profit organization – those Spring deadlines come in a hurry. I’ve written a few grants in my years of work in the non-profit sector and thought it might be fun to share a few lessons I’ve learned and hope that you’ll be encouraged in your journey too.
- Every grant application is an opportunity to learn.
Each and every time you put together a funding proposal, it is an opportunity to learn about your organization’s strengths, weaknesses, plans, vision and financials and to see them through another’s eyes.
As you develop a proposal for a project, be open to exploring what can be improved. Do your financials not look great? How can you improve them? Does your project complement the mission of the organization? If not, perhaps it’s not a project you need to do. Do you have the staff to implement the proposed project if you receive funding? If not, perhaps the first step is a different request direction. Use the exercise of creation as a way to give strategic thought and vision to your ideas. And remember, sometimes when written down and a budget attached, you may realize that the program is not as strong as you first thought. Be flexible to adjust and rework if necessary.
- Treat grant sources like you do other donors.
Remember, people are at the other end of the process. Never forget that grant funders have people at the helm reviewing and assessing your work. Treat them just like you do other donors. Be kind, follow up, ask questions, get feedback if possible. Always, say thank you and turn in reports on time.
- Persistence pays off.
Sometimes it takes a few tries with a new grant funder. Don’t give up. If the project fits your mission, is needed and has with it a realistic budget, it’s likely to get funded, but sometimes it takes a few tries to develop both the project and the relationship with the funding source. Stay positive and stay persistent. One surety – no one ever had any success from quitting or giving up.
- Check your ego at the keyboard
Grant writing can be hard on the ego. Let it go. Remember, it’s not personal, funders have hundreds of applications to review and consider. If you are turned down, get feedback, and try again. If you are honored and funded, be humble and appreciative of the confidence that a funder has shown in you and don’t let them down (see #2).
- Be appreciative – win or lose.
Whether your proposal is funded or not, be appreciative and thankful. Don’t ever lose your temper with a rejection and be a good winner too. Write a thank you letter, or if appropriate, make a phone call as soon as you get good news. If you get bad news, reach out to ask if any feedback can be offered to help you when you try again.
Sometimes it’s hard to get started on a grant and where to find them. In Lubbock, the Community Foundation of West Texas (CFWT) offers the region the Foundation Directory database which can be a huge help in finding new sources of funding. Just reach out to the CFWT here to make an appointment to use this great resource.
Sign up for newsletters from grant making agencies such as Texas Commission on the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts so you don’t miss opportunities. Make time to research and write. I calendar days on my calendar just for grant work – it helps me prioritize the time. I also create a simple listing of grant agencies, their deadlines and a spot for my notes so I know who I’m applying to, when and for how much. I find a running list helps me a great deal. This can be simple – through Excel or through an organizational tool like Monday.com. Even a tablet or spiral with a running list will work – whatever fits your organizational style.
In developing a proposal, I tackle them one question at a time. It helps me not to get overwhelmed (particularly with a more complex application). I often start them and return to them to layer in my answers and fill in the attachments needed.
So, here comes 2026! Time to tackle grants with persistence and humility. Remember, nothing worthwhile is ever easy and hard work pays off.