Grant writing is difficult work, and it's discouraging to receive a rejection letter after spending so much time on a proposal. Here are the top five reasons grant proposals are rejected to help you avoid that feeling in the future. You'll also find advice on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future.
1. The grant proposal didn’t meet the deadline
Grants have strict deadlines, so submitting your proposal late—even by a minute—will almost certainly disqualify you. To help you meet future deadlines, try breaking down the project into smaller steps before you begin. Instead of trying to do it all at once, you can do a little work every day leading up to the deadline.
Tip: Don’t forget to pay attention to time zones.
2. Your proposal was too vague
When a grant funder gives out a large sum of money, they want to know exactly how it will be used. If your writing did not clearly state how the funds would be used by the organisation, this most likely contributed to your rejection. Tip: Be specific and list measurable goals in your next grant proposal so that everyone knows exactly where the funds will go.
3. You included unrealistic plans
If your proposal was for a large, grandiose project, the funder might have been skeptical that your organization would follow through. In a grant proposal, it's easy to talk big and make your plans sound amazing. However, if it is not realistic, you will not be paid. Next time, explain why your organization is capable of carrying out the plans you propose in detail. Be wary of anything that appears to be too good to be true and explain why it isn't. Tip: Everyone wants to make the world a better place. However, when it comes to granting funding, you must focus on a specific how. While your project may have an impact on the community, leave these uncertain possibilities out of your proposal.
4. Your proposal didn’t match the goals of the funders
When grant money is awarded, funders usually have specific goals in mind. If your organization's plans for the grant money do not align with the goals of the funder, your proposal will be rejected. Tip: When considering future grants to apply for, be honest with yourself about how closely your visions align. If they are too dissimilar, it is probably best to wait and find a grant that better fits your plans.
5. Your proposal did not adhere to the guidelines.
Grant application instructions are notoriously difficult. And for good reason: funders want to see that you can follow directions. They won't trust you to follow instructions for spending their money if you can't do what's asked of you in an application. Tip: Read the guidelines for your next grant proposal several times. Then, make a plan early on to ensure you don't forget anything.
Grant writing resources to help you improve
Now that you've learned a few of the most common reasons grant proposals are rejected, it's time to move on. Don't keep thinking about your rejection. Rather, resolve to improve your craft and become a better freelance grant writer in the future. Here are some grant writing resources to help you become a successful freelance writer.
Other resources to help you improve
Here are two more resources to which you may have access.
- Previous submissions by your organisation: Inquire if you can read previous submissions. Seeing how other writers approached grant writing can be extremely beneficial.
- Other grant writers include: People who have been doing this for a long time are likely to have made many mistakes—and learned from them. Ask questions of others who make a living as grant writers.
- Kurzweil Educational System: Using the example of a school seeking funding for reading programs, this grant proposal walks you through each step of the writing process. The objectives and goals are clear and concise, not too broad or too narrow.
- This grant proposal from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums includes a budget and budget justification that explains why the money is needed. It's an excellent example of a very specific proposal.
0 Comments