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The Top 10 Reasons Grant Proposals Get Rejected
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Based on the experiences of our clients and ourselves, Grant Seeker Pro has created
this top ten list of reasons that Grant proposals are rejected.
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1. Wrong Organization: Grant Giving Organizations and Private Foundations want to
know that an individual has thought about their funding needs and how their interests
match up. Choosing the correct foundation can be a snap if you can find it. The
biggest challenge to day is locating these organizations and contacting them in
a professional manner. Grant Seeker Pro makes this a no-brainer with our one of
a kind online application creator.
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2. Follow the Instructions!!! In our book Grant Seeker Pro we repeatedly show you
examples of proposals where the individual was given a specific set of instructions
to follow and they either misunderstood, decided they had a better way or just decided
not to follow instructions. These people will not be approved.
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3. Deadlines: After an initial contact is made with an organization and they decide
that they want additional information from you then there is no excuse not to provide
within the time frame given.
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4. Outcomes not provided: Government funders, foundations and corporate donors are
increasingly asking non-profits to demonstrate the potential outcomes or benefits
of their grant proposal. Besides showing the direct benefit or your work, include
information about the positive impact on the community as a whole, as well as any
potential benefits for the future.
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5. Duplication of service: Being unique is one of those intangibles that sparks
the interest of donors, so you must attempt to differentiate or distinguish yourself
from other service providers. Outline clearly how your programs differ from others;
present any unique demographic or constituencies you represent; detail changes to
your program over time; and explain how the funds will help to address emerging
social needs.
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6. Blanket proposals or fishing expeditions: These kinds of proposals tell a funder
that you don't care about their time or background - and grant officers are expert
at spotting them. Granters donate, they do not speculate.
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7. Sustainability not anticipated: Every class of donor wants to see that some thought,
planning and strategic analysis has been undertaken that shows your organization
is aiming for greater self-sufficiency. Sustainability runs parallel to the development
of funding relationships and partnerships. Many donors will ask flat out: how do
you plan to sustain this initiative over time?
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8. Unrealistic expectations: A Grant Giving Organization needs to assess which foundation
is more likely to fund larger requests. A small foundation may have a history of
giving grants in the $5,000 range. This would not be the right foundation to ask
for a million dollars. It also takes time to build an ongoing relationship with
a donor, particularly when you're asking for a great deal of money. Just because
your cause is important does not make your organization their highest funding priority.
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9. Inaccurate, vague or generally poor writing: Errors in financial accounting,
for example, gravely undermine your credibility. Vague or inaccurate proposals also
make it difficult for a grant officer to review and evaluate your proposal, even
though they may see huge value in what you do. Try to keep in mind that a successful
proposal will engage the reader and hold their interest, while demonstrating a compelling
reason why your organization should be supported.
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10.No donor recognition: Many donors - particularly corporate donors - will
want to know how their contribution will be appreciated or recognized. This increases
their confidence that recognition for their contribution will be forthcoming. Overlooking
donor recognition is one of the most common and easy to avoid errors.
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BIG Picture: Few things in this world are guaranteed. But one thing is certain:
avoid the pitfalls of the Top 10 and you will dramatically increase your grant proposal
success ratio.
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