The Grant Rejection Mindset That Changed Everything for Me
Stop taking rejection so seriously.
I used to get really invested in every grant application I sent out.
As soon as I hit submit, I’d start picturing what I’d do if I got the grant.
Then the rejection email came.
“We regret to inform you...”
Was my project not good enough? Am I failing as a founder, creator, or solopreneur?
Over time, I realized I was letting one application decide my whole future.
That realization completely changed how I approach grants.
Grants are a Numbers Game
A lot of creators only apply for one grant, maybe two at most.
When they don’t win, they end up saying, “Grants don’t work.”
But imagine if you pitched one podcast guest appearance a year? Or published one blog post, or sent one sales email about your offer?
You wouldn’t judge your success on just one try. Right?
So why do we do that with grant funding?
The truth is, grant funding is all about the numbers.
Every grant draws in applications from talented, passionate people doing important work. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. That’s just how it goes.
Detach Your Identity From the Outcome
Getting rejected doesn’t say anything about your self-worth.
It doesn’t mean your idea isn’t good.
The more I stopped tying my identity to the outcome, the easier it has gotten to keep moving forward.
Now, when I get a rejection, I update my spreadsheet and move on.
Why? Because I always have other opportunities lined up.
There’s another deadline ahead.
Don’t let one funding decision slow you down.
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My One-Grant-Per-Month Rule
Two years ago, I decided to stop sitting on the sidelines and take grants seriously.
I set a goal to apply for one grant every month.
That’s it. Not ten, not twenty—just one.
By sticking to this rule, I always have something in the works.
A rejection doesn’t feel so bad anymore because there’s always another chance coming up. The goal is to become the kind of creator who keeps putting themselves out there.
Every application helps you:
Clarify your mission
Refine your impact
Better communicate your work, who it helps, and why it matters
Strengthen your storytelling
Keep Playing the Game
If you’re feeling down after a rejection, remember this: You won’t win every time.
Chances are, you only need to win one or two a year to fund your next chapter.
The creators who win grant funding are usually the most persistent.
They’re the ones who keep applying. Again. And again.
Until the right funder says YES.
P.S. I’m looking to work with 30 creators in my upcoming Hit Record Challenge. It’s a live, 5-day event where you’ll script and record a polished 1-minute pitch video for your next grant application. I’ll be there to guide you + offer feedback every step of the way. Challenge starts Monday, August 31st. 🤳🏽
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