Heard About an Award or Funding Opportunity? Apply for It.

Let me tell you something I’ve learned from sitting on award and funding committees over the years: In a few instances, like some student paper award competitions, we get far fewer applications than you’d expect. And you know why?

Because too many students think they’re not ready or not good enough.

That hesitation is understandable—imposter syndrome is real. But here’s the truth: if you don’t apply, you won’t get it.

Even if your application doesn’t win, you’ve already accomplished something valuable: you’ve put your name out there. You’ve pushed yourself to write a stronger draft of your paper. You’ve practiced packaging your work for an audience. And—bonus—some committees actually offer feedback, which is gold for future revisions or submissions.

I still remember when I was an undergraduate student, hearing about a scholarship and thinking, “Well, I probably won’t get it… but maybe I should just try.” That mindset stuck with me. Even now, as a faculty member, I still apply for opportunities if I think they’re a good fit. Sometimes you win. Sometimes you don’t. The worst that can happen is a “no.” And trust me, a “no” never defines your worth or potential.

Don’t listen to that little voice that whispers, “Why bother? You have no chance anyway.” That voice thrives on fear. It tells you to play small, to stay safe, to wait until you feel 100% “ready”—but that moment rarely comes. The truth is, so many people who do win awards or get accepted weren’t sure they’d get it either. They just applied anyway. Silence that voice by reminding yourself: this isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being brave. It’s about showing up. You’re not “wasting time” by applying—you’re building your skills, your confidence, and your visibility. And if you don’t apply? Then yes, you definitely won’t get it. So take the chance.

Here’s something I tell my students: block off 15 minutes a week in your calendar to search for awards, scholarships, and funding. That’s it—just 15 minutes. Get in the habit of checking professional organizations, student networks, and university lists. Explore areas you care about—don’t just limit yourself to one field. For example, I look at both disability studies and sexuality studies circles. Interdisciplinary work often opens more doors than you think.

Another tip? Browse other people’s CVs—especially graduate students and early-career scholars in your field. See where they’ve found funding or recognition. Sometimes the best leads come from seeing what others have done.

Yes, sometimes opportunities come your way by chance or connections. But not always. Sometimes, you have to go looking. Be proactive. No one will advocate for your work better than you.

Of course, I’m not saying you need to apply for everything—being strategic is key. Prioritize the opportunities that genuinely align with your interests, your work, and your goals. Look for the ones that feel like a good fit. And be realistic with your time and energy—some applications are more demanding than others, and it’s okay to pass on ones that don’t feel worth the investment right now. Choosing wisely doesn’t mean you’re playing it safe; it means you’re valuing your labor and committing to the opportunities that matter most to you. Think quality over quantity.

I want your work to be seen. I want you to get the funding you need and the recognition you absolutely deserve. The job market keeps getting more competitive, and unfortunately, awards and grants matter—not just for your CV, but for your confidence, too.

So next time you hear about a call for papers, a student award, a small grant—even if you’re not sure—you know what to do:

Apply for it.