5 Reasons Why Grants Get Rejected

Why do grants fail? Here are 5 tips for the common mistake people make when submitting a grant application.

You Weren’t Eligible

Checking eligibility requirements and reading the grant guidelines is the first, most important step in identifying if a grant is the right one for your project. Most grants have a strict eligibility criteria and providers will immediately reject any submission that does not meet them.

Your Story Misses The Point

If the story of your project doesn’t align with the grant’s goals or ambitions, you will not be successful. All grants have a specific purpose in mind, whether it be community contribution or innovation development etc. If there is not a clear through-line between your project and the grant’s purpose, you will not be awarded funding.

No Clear Impact

If you can’t clearly communicate the impact of your project, you will likely be unsuccessful. Grants are about outcomes. Grant providers want to understand the difference their funding will make. They are not only interested in what you plan to do, they want to know the measurable results that will come from the investment. If an application focuses mainly on activities, expenses, or ideas without explaining the expected impact, providers may struggle to see the value of supporting it.

Budget Misalignment

If your budget doesn’t logically support your proposal, is unrealistic or poorly justified you risk not being successful in your application. This is a big one. You need quotes, estimates and documentation to show that you have worked the numbers and can achieve your project’s goals/outcomes. Estimates need to be justified and in context, and the amount you’re requesting must be clearly assigned.

Need help with a grant?

I provide grant writing services to rural and regional businesses, from grant searches to strategy and submissions. Contact me for help securing funding.