Are Grants Worth Applying For in 2026?
The potential rewards far outweigh the challenges.
In academia, entire departments thrive on hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant funding each year.
After dedicating seven years to helping researchers navigate the complexities of grant applications, I witnessed firsthand the incredible power of grants to transform ideas into tangible realities.
It was inspiring to see concepts take flight and evolve into impactful projects that made a difference.
The impact of grants became even more apparent when I won four grants for my travel podcast, The Thought Card, and after creating this newsletter, which connects creators and entrepreneurs with funding opportunities.
Thousands of grant applications cross my desk every year, and we meticulously sift through them to identify the best ones to share with you.
In 2024, we regularly shared 100+ funding opportunities in our monthly newsletter, proving that grant funding can be a viable income source for creators in 2025 and beyond. However, as creators, we must consider a few realities to make grants work for us.
The Stats
Approximately 30-40% of grant applications receive funding.
Doing the math, that’s six to seven rejections for every ten submissions.
You may be wincing at the thought of hearing so many “No’s,” but that’s the nature of grants, and as creators, we are no strangers to rejection.
*Reframe* It's important to remember that each rejection is a step closer to success.
The Strategy
Applying for multiple opportunities increases your chances.
It helps you hone your grant writing and improve your overall communication skills—all essential for securing grant funding, brand deals, Patreon supporters, and clients.
Secondly, since grants are competitive, many creators throw in the towel too soon.
After sending out just a few grant applications, we often decide that grants don’t work for us. This kind of thinking can limit our chances for growth.
Speaking from personal experience, when we give up, we miss out on funding that could have made a big difference in our projects and communities.
“I only need one big win. I know it’s coming.” Dr. Angela Kingdon
Another less-talked-about issue is that many creators have a narrow view of the grants they can apply for.
So many creators focus on pursuing only those that fit precisely within their past work.
For example, as a podcaster, only applying for podcasting grants, or as a journalist, only applying for journalist opportunities. Thinking this way limits your funding potential.
In our book, "9 Stumbling Blocks Preventing Creatives From Tapping Into Grant Funds," we explain how to overcome limiting beliefs and ways to count yourself in more often.
The Stories Holding You Back
“There’s no funding for my work.”
"I’m not worthy."
"My work isn’t serious enough."
Telling ourselves these (negative) things prevents us from applying for pitch competitions, fellowships, residency programs, and accelerators we may have qualified for.
Make Time For It
Lastly, because grant opportunities come and go, it’s easy to prioritize other tasks that seem more pressing, like selling artwork or pursuing paid gigs. Hey, I understand in this economy, we need to do what it takes to put food on the table.
However, in 2026, I see grants becoming a more significant income stream for creators.
The bottom line is that grants are out there. If we shift our perspective, believe in ourselves, and take action, we can make the most of the possibilities that come our way.
With what I’ve learned over the years, I am more excited than ever about the potential of grant funding, and I regret not applying for more opportunities in the past.
Read Next: How I Make Time For Grant Applications with a Hectic Schedule
In the past, I won grants (with no prior grant-writing experience) because I regularly applied. I showed up and claimed the prize.
Your 2026 Grant Game Plan
In 2026, countless organizations are eager to support projects and initiatives that resonate with their missions.
Opportunities are abundant and can be yours with the right mindset and effort.
Regularly check Grants For Creators, identify exciting opportunities, get organized with our Grant Application Planner, and carve out time to work on those applications.
There’s money out there waiting for you, don’t hesitate to reach for it!
For more inspiring stories of creators winning grant funding they found through our newsletter, read:
Thank you for this inspiring post! We are planning to apply for grant money this year for our blog and podcast, so I have subscribed, and will be reading and engaging regularly!
By the way, are there grants for people who want to live abroad? I would be interested in investigating that for our blog!
Thank you so much Danielle 🙏🏽 I’ve received many grants in the past but the last two years more rejections so I felt depleted and stopped applying. I plan on jumping back in the ring and applying this year and beyond. I appreciate you.
Blessings!