Seeing this screenshot really annoys me.

Picture this: you’ve found a funder that perfectly matches your client’s ethos, their work, and their goals. It’s a rare alignment of values and priorities, a golden opportunity—or so it seems. Then, you scroll down their website and see this:

“We are currently receiving a high number of requests, which means the success rate for applicants is about 2%.”

You pause. The glow of possibility dims. Questions race through your mind. Why did they open the grant round at all? Why not close it early if demand is that overwhelming? And perhaps the most pressing question of all: is it even worth the charity’s effort to invest time, resources, and money into crafting a stellar application for this funder?

Let’s be honest: the grant application process isn’t quick or cheap. It takes a lot to write a compelling bid—gathering data, aligning your narrative to their priorities, and creating a budget that fits like a glove, and when the odds are as steep as 2%, you can’t help but wonder if the time spent could be better used elsewhere.

But here’s the rub: someone has to be in that 2%. Could it be you? If the funder truly aligns with your mission, the answer might still be yes, but, before diving in, weigh up the costs. Ensure the potential funding is really worth the effort and consider if there are alternative funders with better odds.

Because while a perfect match is rare, your resources are even rarer.