Fundraising is full of myths — ideas that sound convincing but can trip up even experienced organisations. Here are a few of the most common misconceptions I still come across when working with charities and CICs.

1. “It’s just about using the right buzzwords.”
Many people think the secret to success is sprinkling in the words funders want to hear — innovation, community-led, transformational. While language matters, it’s substance that counts. Funders are looking for genuine need, clear outcomes and a realistic plan for delivery, not clever phrasing. A strong application shows you understand your community and how your project will make a measurable difference. It can help to mirror the language a funder uses — for example, do they refer to service users, participants or beneficiaries? Using familiar terms helps the funder see how your organisation aligns with their priorities.

2. “A good bid always gets funded.”
Sadly, no. Even excellent proposals can miss out because of limited budgets, shifting priorities or timing. The funder may have supported several similar projects in a previous round and be looking for something new. Rejection often says more about competition than quality. The best fundraisers use feedback to refine, adapt and reapply — persistence and learning are just as important as writing skills.

3. “Not accepting commission-based work means you lack confidence.”
Professional fundraisers rarely work on commission — not because they doubt their ability, but because it’s considered poor practice under the Code of Fundraising Practice. Good fundraising is collaborative: it involves planning, development and shared learning that benefit the organisation long term. Commission models risk encouraging short-term wins over sustainable growth. And if a bid is unsuccessful, the organisation still retains a well-developed proposal to use elsewhere — the fundraiser shouldn’t be left unpaid for that work.

4. “Grant writing is just about filling in forms.”
At its heart, fundraising is about strategy, research and storytelling. A grant form is only the final step in a process that begins with understanding community needs, shaping realistic budgets and designing activities that create change. A well-crafted application communicates that thinking clearly. Effective fundraisers also understand how organisations are governed and managed, how they evaluate and evidence impact, and how their work fits into the wider strategic landscape.