The Truth About Grant Writing: Strategy Over Luck

Sheena Stephens • July 23, 2025

Getting funded isn’t magic—it’s method.

Introduction

Grant writing can seem like a mystery—full of complex requirements, tight deadlines, and vague rejections. But here’s the truth: it’s not about luck, it’s about strategy.
At L.I.F.T., Inc., we teach grant writing as a skill anyone can learn—because funding shouldn’t be reserved for insiders or experts. It should be accessible to anyone with a solid plan and the right tools.


Why Grant Writing Matters

Whether you’re launching a nonprofit, growing a business, or starting a new program, access to funding can make or break your momentum. Grants allow organizations to test ideas, scale services, and build infrastructure without going into debt. But writing a grant proposal isn’t just about asking for money—it’s about telling a compelling, credible story backed by a realistic plan.


The Most Common Mistakes We See

Grant writing can go wrong fast if you’re not prepared. Some of the most frequent missteps include:

  • Writing without reading the guidelines
  • Asking for funding without proving the need
  • Skipping the budget—or guessing the numbers
  • Using vague language instead of specific outcomes
  • Submitting generic proposals to every opportunity

The result? Denials, delays, and missed chances.


What We Teach Instead

In our workshops and coaching sessions, we focus on practical steps and repeatable systems. Our grant writing approach includes:

  • Understanding eligibility and aligning with funder goals
  • Developing a clear problem statement
  • Crafting a measurable, outcome-based solution
  • Building a budget that tells the same story as the narrative
  • Creating a grant-ready toolkit with boilerplate content and attachments

We also teach how to find grants you’re actually ready for—so you don’t waste time applying for something that doesn’t match your stage or capacity.


Grant Writing Is a Team Sport

Even solo entrepreneurs need support to submit a competitive proposal. Whether it’s budgeting help, data gathering, or editing, the best grant writers know how to lean on the right people at the right time. That’s why we also help organizations build internal capacity—not just depend on outside consultants.


Conclusion: Grants Don’t Fund Dreams—They Fund Plans

You don’t need to be a perfect writer to get funded. You need a solid idea, a clear plan, and the discipline to follow the process. At L.I.F.T., we equip changemakers with that process—because funding should fuel growth, not frustration.

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By Sheena Stephens July 23, 2025
Strong minds build strong outcomes.  We treat mental wellness as a core part of career readiness.
By Sheena Stephens July 23, 2025
“Equipping individuals with the tools to work, lead, and thrive in any economy.”