Does your organization expect to hear “no”, from what seems like every application you send out? You aren’t alone. According to a 2016 article from Professional Grant Writers, an average of nine out of 10 grant proposals is rejected.

It is no secret that grant seeking is a competitive market. It takes much more than just a well-written proposal to receive funding. Read these essential tips, regarding research and maintaining professional relationships, before you send out your next proposal for project funding.

1. Don’t: Ignore opportunities to connect with grantmakers.
    Do: Establish meaningful connections with all potential funders.

In order to establish a connection with a grantmaker, it is best for that professional relationship to start on a strong, honest foundation. Due to the high volume of competition in the world of grant seeking, some organizations believe it is best to steamroll their competition by making outrageous claims of what they want to accomplish with their grant dollars. Instead of telling a grantmaker everything you hope to accomplish with their award, offer them a detailed report on what you will deliver. You may accomplish more than you initially promised, and it will work in the favor of your organization.

2. Don’t: Over-promise on results.
    Do: Promise there will be positive results.

It is in the best interest of any organization to reach out and introduce themselves to grantmakers regarding proposals. What better way to find out what the reviewers are looking for than to ask the reviewers, themselves? Your missions may align perfectly with one another, but your proposal may still be missing exactly what a particular grantmaker seeks. Humanizing your organization can be as simple as sending an email or making a phone call to meet the people behind the grant.

3. Don’t: Apply for any and all grants.
    Do: Be sure that your mission and the vision of the grantmaker are a good match.

Relationships between grantmakers and grant seekers aren’t blind. Grantmakers often have a vision or an objective that closely relates to the missions of organizations they fund. Conducting some research by visiting their website and social media pages will ensure that you are not wasting grantmakers’ time. If you want your mission to be heard, be sure that you are sending proposals to those that are listening.

4. Don’t: Overshoot or undershoot your request.
    Do: Request a realistic amount based on project logic.

Sometimes you will apply for a grant that is awarding a specific amount, other grants will offer a cap, “No more than $10,000 will be awarded” for example. Some other grants will not offer any indication as to how much they are awarding. Some grant seekers will often undershoot their requests out of fear their proposal will be denied. Larger requests aren’t red flags for grantmakers as long as the proposing organization is able to demonstrate project knowledge, expected outcomes, the impact of funds, and community support. It isn’t easy to pull a fast one on grant reviewers who work with requests on a regular basis. Inflating costs could destroy any chance of a potential partnership.

5. Don’t: Establish your needs without a plan.
    Do: Demonstrate a knowledge of your needs by providing a solution.

Grantmakers receive a lot of grant applications from organizations with needs similar to yours. What separates the needs of your organization from the needs of another? Providing your reviewer with a plan of how your project will work and succeed will put you a step ahead in the grant life process. It is also important to determine how the program will continue once the grant expires. This is an opportunity to mention your victories such as program innovation, client achievements, fundraising success, and positive press coverage.

We hope these 5 do’s and don’ts for grant seekers helps you prioritize your funding strategies and align your goals for future success.

Additional Sources:

https://www.professionalgrantwriter.org/learn-rejected-grant-proposal
https://www.philanthropy.com/article/Grant-Makers-Reveal-the-Most/183799

 

 

 

 

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