I'm exploring the ups and downs of grant application and limitations when you receive the award. Is it worth it in the end? It is if you are clear on your focused goals.
How do you value yourself as an artist? What is your end goal by being one? It doesn't hurt to pad your resume with poster contests but remember, there are others that will follow you and how the organization values you today will effect others tomorrow.
Diversity is good for investments but it is also important for business as well. Consider Covid, when store fronts had to close and the long term effects of that on so many business owners. How many didn't come back from that?