Grant Application Rejected? Improve Your Success Rate
Was your grant application rejected? To be honest, you should never be discouraged if a proposal is rejected. There is always a learning curve when you are applying for grants. The fact is, you will win some and you will lose some, and there are many reasons grant proposals are denied funding. However, there are some things you can do to learn from the experience. In fact, they might even help to increase the chances of your next grant application being awarded.
Common Reasons a grant is Rejected
First, let’s begin by looking at the most common reasons a grant is rejected, along with the solutions.
- Eligibility: To begin, this is the most common reason a grant is rejected. The best course of action is to always ensure you meet eligibility requirements.
- Missed Deadline: Simply put, if the deadline has passed, look for another grant.
- Unfeasible Budget: The higher the funding amount, the more stringent the rules. Go over your books with care and be sure every penny is accounted for.
- Writing Needs Improvement: If writing is not your thing, you might consider using a software program to help shape your content or even a grant writer.
- Format Guidelines: Always follow the funder’s guidelines. We recommend you read them carefully and be thorough for compliance.
- Missing Items: Have all documentation ready and attached before you submit. Check and double check every item.
- No Goals in Common: If your organization and the funder do not share the same goals, it’s unlikely they will fund your cause. Ensure success by selecting a funder whose cause is in line with yours.
Questions to Ask
Next, take a step back and ask yourself some hard questions. Luckily, you may even ask these same questions when you contact the funder. Be straightforward and ask the kind of questions that lead to solutions.
- “Should I apply again?”
- “Was there something I forgot in my proposal?”
- “Was my writing clear and concise?”
- “Do you have any suggestions for where else I might apply?”
- “Are the reviewers comments available?”
Solve the Issues Before They Begin
To begin, only seek grants you are eligible for. To do that, you need to refine your grant search. Visit GrantWatch and locate a grant with the SMART Advanced Search filter. Search by recipient type, location, category interests, funding source type, and deadline date. Each grant process is different, based on the funder. The grant detail page has everything you need: the eligibility requirements, the deadline, the application, and more. GrantWatch offers a Personalized Grants Calendar that helps you easily keep track and monitor your grants.
Most funding organizations require additional items that you need to include. These are typically things like a budget, a list of board members, letters of support, among many others. However, if you put in the effort and time, you can Learn How to Apply for a Grant for your organization within a matter of days.
Need More Help? Hire A Professional Grant Writer!
One question remains. Do you hire a grant writer or do you apply for a grant on your own? Let’s put this in perspective. Anyone can a write an application for a grant, but it’s not always that simple. Do you have the time to spare? Have you began any research? Are you willing to hire a grant writer? All good questions and viable options. What should you know, if you choose to hire a grant writer?
To conclude, application rejection should never be the end of the story. Instead, it should be the key factor that drives you to write an application that will win the funding you seek. Learn from your mistakes and use them to create something utterly transformative. You’ll be glad you did.
About GrantWatch
With close to 8,000 grants currently available, GrantWatch.com is the leading grant listing directory. Upgrade to a MemberPlus+ plan to view the full details of current grants, including eligibility criteria and application information. For more information, you can also visit the GrantWatch FAQ page. To see the great value of the top 20 GrantWatch features, click here.