How I Make Time For Grant Applications With a Hectic Schedule
Identify the roadblocks. Create a solution.
$1M
$1.7M
$2M
This is the amount of grant funding we sourced in the Grants For Creators newsletter in November, December, and January.
That’s a lot of money available to support creatives — more than I ever thought was possible just a few years ago.
The truth is, despite the funding being available, many creatives aren't applying for funding opportunities. Why?
Some of us are sitting on the sidelines with big dreams and ideas, but there are not enough zeros in our bank accounts to see them through.
Stumbling blocks are tripping us up, and it's easy to fall into a cycle driven by inaction instead of progress.
Identifying our stumbling blocks is essential so they no longer have power over us.
We all have things that prevent us from pursuing grants. Here’s what has been coming up for me lately.
With downsizing my team (yes, I now source every grant we share in this newsletter myself 😉), I spend more time searching for grants than I have time to apply for.
It’s not an excuse. It’s the truth. I’m as busy as busy could be.
My roadblock: time constraints.
My solution is two-fold.
First, I treat grants like any other income stream.
For example, some say podcast sponsorships can be unpredictable, but they make up 40% of my income because I set time aside to attend conferences, meet with brands, send pitches, and follow up.
Brand deals usually just don’t happen for me; I have to make them happen. Like how I mastered securing brand deals, the same can be done for grants.
Next, I set an hour a month to review my curated grants list.
Sometimes, I can complete the task in one sitting, but I often do it in between tasks like making a pot of coffee or washing the dishes.
Helpful Tip: Did you know that with the Substack app, you can have a newsletter like this one read out loud to you? It’s been a game changer for how I consume content.
I identify the grants I want to pursue and note missed deadlines, adding them to my Grant Application Planner.
Helpful Tip: You never know when applications may open again. A grants tracker spreadsheet comes in handy for this.
Lastly, I don't beat myself up over missed opportunities because I know (and believe) another is approaching. This newsletter is proof enough that there is so (so) much money out there for us—a ridiculous amount!
In summary, I figured out what prevented me from following through, adopted an abundance mindset, and took action, all helping me consistently apply for more opportunities in 2025 and beyond.
Because let’s face it, as my friend Demetrius from says, “You can’t win if you don’t apply.” Makes sense, right?
So, what stumbling blocks are preventing you from applying for grant funding? How can you clear your path?
If self-doubt, fear of rejection, imposter syndrome, or lack of grant writing know-how is coming up for you, grab a copy of our eBook and crush those naysaying thoughts for good.
Read: 9 Stumbling Blocks Preventing Creatives From Tapping Into Free Grant Funds
Leo, Lynn, and I have overcome various hurdles in our pursuit of grant funding. Our insights and practical tips will empower you to submit your first or next grant application in no time.
Cheers,
Danielle Desir Corbett | grantsforcreators.com