10 Grant Writing Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected

The most common grant writing mistakes are applying to funders that are not a good fit, ignoring the guidelines, missing attachments or deadlines, a weak statement of need, vague objectives, a budget that does not match the narrative, no evaluation plan, no sustainability plan, jargon-heavy writing, and no follow-up. Each one is avoidable with a checklist and careful reading.

1. Applying to the wrong funder

Fix: Check mission, eligibility, location, grant size and past grantees before writing. If the fit is weak, skip it. See how to find grants.

2. Ignoring the guidelines

Fix: Turn the guidelines into a checklist. Use their headings, word limits and order.

3. Missing deadlines or attachments

Fix: List every attachment (registration documents, financial statements, board list, letters of support) on day one and submit early.

4. A weak statement of need

Fix: Use local data and real voices. See statement of need.

5. Vague objectives

Fix: Write SMART objectives with numbers and dates. See goals and objectives.

6. A budget that does not match the narrative

Fix: Build the budget from the activities, check every line appears in the narrative, and write a budget justification.

7. No way to measure results

Fix: Include a simple evaluation plan with tools and timings.

8. No plan for after the grant

Fix: Explain how the work continues: other funders, earned income, partnerships, or becoming part of core services.

9. Jargon and walls of text

Fix: Plain English, short paragraphs, headings and tables. Reviewers read many applications.

10. No relationship or follow-up

Fix: Contact the funder before applying if they allow it, thank them whatever the result, ask for feedback if declined, and report well if funded.

Pre-submission checklist

1. Eligibility confirmed.
2. Every question answered in the requested order.
3. Word and page limits respected.
4. Budget totals checked and matching the narrative.
5. All attachments included and named as requested.
6. Someone outside the project has read it.
7. Submitted at least a day early.

For the full process, see how to write a grant proposal.