Innovation & Improvement

Education Grants 101 - Reasons Why Proposals Are not Funded

Grants 101: Home • Definitions • Where to Begin • Hints for Preparing Grant Proposals • ED Grant Info

Successful grant writing requires concentrated effort and attention to details. Sometimes it's the "small" things that can make a huge impact in whether a grant is approved.

Here are some of the reasons why a proposal may not be funded:

Proposal is poorly written, lacks organization, or is hard to understand.
Applicant has not followed instructions or responded to specific requests for information.
Applicant exceeded the specified page limit(s). Consult the grantor agency if instructions do not specify whether page limits include resumes, attachments, etc., or if they are in addition to such items.
Proposal lacks evidence of coordination with other individuals and organizations working in the same area.
Applicant's objectives do not match the objectives of the funding organization.
Proposal contains too many footnotes and references citing authorities, which conveys a lack of original thinking.
Proposal rambles and is unclear, reflecting a plan that is poorly devised and hastily thought out.
Applicant did not adequately define the need(s) to be addressed by the proposal.
Proposed objectives and activities do not address the identified need(s).
Objectives and activities are weakly stated, vague, or too general.
Budget does not relate to the proposed objectives and activities; budgeted items are not sufficiently justified as necessary and reasonable for accomplishing the objectives; budget does not reflect adequate planning to accomplish the proposed objectives and activities.
Budget contains non-allowable expenses.
Evidence of capability to successfully manage the proposed project is insufficient or absent.
Evaluation procedures are inadequate and poorly constructed.
Proposal was not mailed or delivered by the specified deadline date.
Proposal was not mailed using an acceptable proof of mailing.