Simple Doesn't Mean Easy (or Quick)

by Aliess Kingsley, COO of Granted

Regardless of how many grants your organization has on its grant calendar, there are always those few (or many) that you look forward to. Maybe that’s because you know the funder and it’s a little more personal than other grants. Perhaps it’s just the fact that you love the program. Most plausibly, however, it’s because the grant itself is uncomplicated. I have more than once sent the universe a little note of thanks that the funder in question rarely changes their application each year, making it painless and straightforward. In a word, it’s simple. 

Contrary to popular belief, though, simple does not mean easy. A simple task also doesn’t always mean it won’t take, and deserve, focused time. In fact, simple things can often take a long time to accomplish and accomplish well. 

But how could that be? Quite simply (see what I did there?) it’s because simple and easy are not the same thing. Most often, simple refers to concepts and rules, while easy refers to performing the act itself. 

Taking out the trash is both simple and easy, because the concept of removing the trash bag is straightforward, and actually taking the trash outside is not difficult. While the objective of chess is simple because it’s straightforward—capture the king—the game itself is complex and strategic, making it difficult. By contrast, rocket science is neither simple, nor easy. 

While grant writing isn’t rocket science (thank goodness for that), it does fall under the chess umbrella of simple without being easy. The “good things take time” moniker holds a lot of weight in this part of the fundraising world. As well it should. Regardless of a grant’s simplicity, you’re still crafting a compelling story as to why this potential funder should help you achieve your objectives and outcomes, make a difference in your community, and support your organization financially. When you lay it out like that, it becomes pretty clear why even the most straightforward of grants should still take your focused time, right? 

Right. 

So, when you’re looking at your grant calendar and think to yourself “okay good, these next few grants are simple,” don’t let your mind trick you into saying easy. Indeed, you will not be flying through them. Why? 

Because good things take time.