Let’s talk about imposter syndrome—that nagging feeling that any moment now, someone will point a finger and yell, “Fraud!” Sound familiar? If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong in the room or you’re not “good enough,” you’re in good company. Imposter syndrome shows up a lot, especially among new grant writers just breaking into the field.
Picture this: You’re excited to dive into grant writing, but then that pesky little voice chimes in, “You don’t know enough to get paid for this. Who would even hire you?” Or you’re scared your potential employer is going to ask, “How many grants have you won up till now?” When you’ve not yet hit submit on your first one!!! 😭😭
Well, spoiler alert: That voice is a liar. Your experiences (yes, the ones you already have) can make you an incredible grant writer. It’s a skill you can build quickly—and it’s a journey, not a destination. Many people don’t know that grant writing is an incredible field that you don’t ever “master” because there’s always new levels - think of a real life game of mario bros!!
Even the Pros Feel It
Take Meredith, our CEO. At 23, she was hired as a full-time grant writer for an engineering firm. She had written exactly two grants before landing the gig. When her first project was helping an Alaskan Native tribe secure funding for a clinic (something they’ve tried and failed at for 10 years), she thought, What can I do that these real adults couldn’t?
But instead of letting imposter syndrome win, she rolled up her sleeves and got to work. She put together a Funding Strategy and tackled a $5 million project, grant by grant. Her first win? A Housing and Urban Development grant! Not every attempt was successful, but she eventually secured the funding. Now, every time she drives by that clinic, she’s reminded of what happens when you push past fear and take uncomfortable action.
Confidence Comes After Action
Here’s a truth bomb: You don’t need confidence before you take action. Confidence comes after doing the thing that scares you. It’s like leveling up in a video game. At first, you’re a little minicorn (baby unicorn) trying to figure things out. But with each project, you gain skills, win battles, and eventually transform into a full-blown grant writing unicorn. 🦄🦄
Another way to build confidence is to equip yourself with knowledge. That’s why we built a free grant writing minicourse for you. This way, you have some knowledge to share with prospective employers, and you get a taste of the real meal of what we cover in the Global Grant Writers Collective.
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The Journey Through the “Valley of Despair”
If you’ve ever felt the sudden panic of realizing how much you don’t know, you’re not alone. This is the Dunning-Kruger effect in action. You start out confident, cruising through the basics of grant writing, maybe even landing a client or acing a funding strategy. Then—BAM—it hits you. The sheer depth of what you still have to learn feels overwhelming.
Welcome to the Valley of Despair. 😔😔 It’s uncomfortable, and it’s where most people quit. But this is also where growth happens. This is when you need community, coaching, and a healthy dose of self-development to keep you going.
From “Soonicorn” to Unicorn
The cool part? The “teenage phase” of imposter syndrome doesn’t last forever. With real-world experience and exposure—like tackling your first paid project or raising your rates—you start to regain confidence. This is the soonicorn stage. You’re flying, but still a little wobbly. Stick with it, and you’ll hit unicorn status faster than you think.
Our Top Tip for Crushing Imposter Syndrome
Want to rewrite your story? Grab a piece of paper.
- Write down your big goal. Maybe it’s, “I’m running a thriving grant writing consultancy,” or, “I landed a nonprofit job that lets me work from home twice a week.”
- Write it again. And again. Aim for 30 times.
- Pay attention to the pesky thoughts that creep in. Thoughts like, “Who am I to dream this big?” or, “No one will hire me without tons of experience.”
Flip the page and jot those limiting beliefs down. Now, rewrite them as incremental, believable upgrades. For example:
- Old belief: “I’m not experienced enough.”
- New belief: “I’ve figured out new things before; I can do it again.”
- Old belief: “I’ll never make this much money.”
- New belief: “If others can build a six-figure business, I can too.”
What you have here is only a tip of the iceberg. In the Global Grant Writers Collective, upgrading your belief system is a core value, and we have a section dedicated to it amongst our plethora of grant writing resources.
Mindset Over Mechanics
Still talking about how to beat imposter syndrome, grant writing is 20% about the nuts and bolts and 80% about your mindset. If your mind isn’t on your side, no amount of technical skill will matter. That’s why being part of a supportive community, like the Global Grant Writers Collective, is a game-changer.
In the Collective, you don’t just learn to write grants—you transform into a person who believes in your own potential. As Jasmine, one of our members, put it: “I was terrified at first. But the community was so inspiring and supportive. Someone even offered me a subcontracting opportunity that pulled me out of the Valley of Despair!”
Final Thoughts - Give Yourself the Gift of Belief
Imposter syndrome is a part of every growth story—it’s a sign you’re stepping outside your comfort zone and chasing something bigger. Remember, confidence doesn’t come first; it comes after you take action. By reframing your beliefs, leaning into your community, and taking those small, courageous steps, you’ll grow from a hesitant “minicorn” to a full-fledged grant writing unicorn.
Grant writing isn’t just about securing funds; it’s about becoming the kind of person who believes in their ability to make a real impact. And the best part? You don’t have to go it alone.
If you’re serious about beating imposter syndrome, building your skills, and joining a network of supportive, inspiring peers, the Global Grant Writers Collective is here for you. It’s more than an educational program—it’s a transformation experience that will help you rewrite your story, upgrade your mindset, and create a fulfilling grant writing career.
Take the leap as we launch into 2025 and start your journey with us today. You’re one step away from building the confidence, community, and career you’ve been dreaming about. Let’s make it happen together—because unicorns don’t fly solo!
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