The 7-Minute Go/No-Go Rule

Every grant opportunity looks promising at first glance. But not all opportunities are worth your time. The 7-Minute Go/No-Go Rule helps you make a quick, data-driven decision before you invest hours in research and planning.

The Framework

Spend exactly 7 minutes evaluating these five criteria:

1. Funder Alignment (2 minutes)

Does the funder’s mission align with your work?
Are their stated priorities a match for your programs?
Have they funded similar organizations or projects?

Go if: Strong alignment on mission and priorities.

2. Eligibility (1 minute)

Do you meet all stated eligibility requirements?
Are there geographic, organizational, or programmatic restrictions?
Is your organization type eligible?

Go if: You meet 100% of eligibility requirements.

3. Capacity & Timeline (2 minutes)

Can you realistically meet the deadline?
Do you have the internal capacity to gather materials and provide inputs?
Is the timeline compatible with your other priorities?

Go if: You have sufficient time and capacity.

4. Request Amount & Match (1 minute)

Is the request amount appropriate for your organization size?
Can you meet any match requirements (cash or in-kind)?
Is the funding level worth the effort?

Go if: Amount is appropriate and match is feasible.

5. Competition & Win Probability (1 minute)

How competitive is this opportunity likely to be?
Do you have a competitive advantage?
What’s your estimated win probability (be honest)?

Go if: Win probability is at least 30-40% or higher.

The Decision

Go if you score 4-5 “Go” criteria.
No-Go if you score 2 or fewer “Go” criteria.
Maybe if you score 3 “Go” criteria—revisit in 1-2 weeks with more information.

Why This Works

The 7-Minute Rule forces you to be honest about fit and capacity before you invest significant time. It’s not about perfection—it’s about making a quick, informed decision that saves you from pursuing low-probability opportunities.

Want a downloadable version? Check out our Resources section.