Why Grants Get Turned Down

Was your grant rejected?

It is a frustrating part of the grant process when the proposal that you have worked so hard to write gets a rejection letter. Sometimes a proposal is poorly presented or lacks documentation. Other times a change of grant priorities can sink your funding hopes. Whatever the reason, getting a grant turned down is an opportunity for you to learn how to craft a better proposal the next time.

Not Following Directions

Are you following directions?

At the top of the list for why proposals are not funded is that the grant does not follow the directions outlined by the foundation. Perhaps you sent out a generic proposal, which is easy to spot; these often disregard specific directions or layouts that the foundation requested.

Mathematical Errors

Does it add up?

Recheck your math or review your budget narrative to make sure it meshes with the budget figures. When creating proposals, it's not uncommon to redo the budget several times, with many revisions before arriving at your final budget. If you're using Excel formulas, make sure you check them.

Padded Numbers

Resist the urge to tack on expenses.

Foundations are looking for proposals that spend their money wisely. When people prepare a grant proposal that adds additional expenses unrelated to the project or inflates the true costs of the proposed program, don't think the foundation won't figure it out. If the organization to which you are applying has an award limit, don't go over that limit or pad out the budget to that limit just to get the most money possible.

Poor Writing

Proposals that are difficult to understand are not funded. The writing of an award-winning proposal is clear, concise and to the point. It will reference the sustainability of your project and what will happen after the grant funding comes to an end.

You Forgot to Send Attachments

Attach your attachments to your proposal.

This can happen, especially in the rush to meet a deadline. Check and recheck that you have everything you need in the proposal package before sending it out.

Poor Point Score

Are you getting all the points you can?

In bigger foundation, state or federal proposal reviews, your proposal is rated utilizing a point system. State and federal Requests For Proposal (RFP) announcements are clear about how many points will be assessed for each section. Focus on those sections that earn the majority of points and go over them carefully. If your proposal does not score well, you will not be funded.

Rejections Caused by Organization Changes

Individual foundation, state and federal grant sources have yearly budgets for grant giving, and these can be adjusted at any time. Recently, many foundation and state organizations refocused their grant giving on basic needs. Sometimes individual foundations are dissolved because the individual no longer wants it or because the principal is eaten away by poor investments.

References

• Teachersnetwork: Why Proposals Get Rejected
• Philanthropy: Grant Makers Reveal the Most Common Reasons Grant Proposals Are Rejected

Resources

• How to Handle a Grant Rejection Notice