Avoid These Grant Application Pitfalls to Improve Your Success

When your grant application gets declined, you’re left wondering what the winning proposals had that yours didn’t. At Purpose Plus, our team has unique experience on both sides of the funding process and has written numerous successful applications for our clients. Our goal is to share these insights so you can pursue the right opportunities and win with grants. This post outlines 10 common mistakes fundraisers often make – and what you should do instead. 

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly improve your grant writing success and secure more funding. 

1. Don’t start at the top of the application form 

Here’s what you should do instead: 

• Review the grant guidelines and application form 
• Make a list of the information you need to include, for example, your mission; the need you address; and the impact of your project 
• Use specific examples and data to make your storytelling memorable and persuasive 
• Then, map this information to the BEST section of the application, where it can have the maximum impact

 

2. Don’t start writing full sentences

Here’s what you should do instead: 

• Create drafting notes to help plan the flow of responses, drawing from grant guidelines and the question(s) you are responding to 
• If the section asks multiple questions, break these out so you can respond to each in turn 
• Use bullet points to make your initial notes under each question 
• Let your conscious flow on the page. This is helpful for getting information down quickly—you can edit it later

 

3. Don’t set up a beginning, middle, and end

Here’s what you should do instead: 

• Include the most important points first in your response – directly answer each question in the first paragraph, if not in the first sentence 
• Include somewhat important points next 
• Include the least important points at the end – this is anything that isn’t directly relevant to the question asked

 

4. Don’t reframe the question

Here’s what you should do instead: 

• Repeat each question in your answer 
• This ‘sign-posting’ makes it easier for assessors to find information 
• This will also help you make sure you don’t miss responding to any questions, especially when there’s more than one question asked in any section 

 

5. Don’t write content for reading

Here’s what you should do instead: 

• Make your copy easy to scan or skim 
• Use headings and bullet points to break up the text 
• Use plain English 
• Aim to write for a Year 9 high school reading level 
• If you must use acronyms, spell them out at least once  

 

6. Don’t assume your reader is an expert

Here’s what you should do instead: 

• Assume they know nothing about you 
• Tell the size of your organisation, geography, scale and mission 
• Explain the problem you intend to solve 
• Use case studies and other evidence to back up your claims 

 

7. Don’t leave things to the last minute

Here’s what you should do instead: 

• Start your outline as early as possible 
• Start collecting supporting documents immediately 
• Register to use the online submission portal so you can receive any relevant communications about the grant 
• Check that the portal matches any sample grant application form you may be using – no surprises 
• Submit early to avoid technical issues

 

8. Don’t write grant applications on your own

Here’s what you should do instead: 

• Collaborate with your team 
• Ask a peer to read the application and provide feedback 
• Seek expert advice and support if needed

 

9. Don’t draft directly in the online grant application portal

Here’s what you should do instead: 

• Use Word or a similar application 
• This will enable marked changes, comments, and a document that can easily be shared for collaboration 
• Copy and paste to the portal only once your draft is final  

 

10. Don’t submit unless you have proofread your application thoroughly

Here’s what you should do instead: 

• Transfer your responses to the submission portal 
• Review each response fully 
• Read the application backwards to ensure each question is fully addressed 
• Make sure you have a copy of your final responses, just in case 

Once you have submitted your grant application, make sure it gets received. If you don’t get a confirmation of receipt, contact the funder directly.  

Finally, take a moment to celebrate the process. Grant writing success isn’t easy – it takes dedication, focus, teamwork, and project management. Give yourself – and your team – a huge pat on the back for putting together the best possible application and submitting it on time.