Denials Are Part of the Grant Cycle: Why Rejection Is Key to Growth and Success in Grant Writing
November 2024 / Anastasiia skurtul
For anyone involved in grant writing, a denial can feel like a significant setback. But understanding denials as a natural and beneficial part of the grant cycle can change the way you approach grant seeking, turning each denial into an opportunity to improve and refine your organization’s proposals. In this article, we’ll explore why denials happen, how they fit into the larger grant process, and ways to leverage rejection as a stepping stone toward success.
Understanding Denials in the Grant Cycle
The grant cycle can be broken down into stages: research, preparation, submission, review, and feedback. A denial typically happens after a review and feedback stage, and it’s not necessarily a negative reflection on your organization. Funders receive hundreds, sometimes thousands, of applications, each with different strengths and weaknesses. When a grant proposal is denied, it usually means that it didn’t align perfectly with the funder’s priorities, or that another proposal simply had a more compelling case. Denials help grantseekers clarify alignment with funders’ goals, hone their messaging, and strengthen future applications.
Common Reasons for Grant Denials
Misalignment with Funder Priorities
One of the most common reasons for a denial is a mismatch between the funder’s priorities and the proposal. Funders often have specific focus areas, and even if a project seems closely related, slight misalignment can be enough for a denial. This makes it essential to research funders’ goals thoroughly before applying.
Insufficient Detail or Clarity
Grant reviewers need clear, concise, and well-supported information. If a proposal is vague or lacks detail, it may be passed over in favor of one that presents a clearer picture of objectives and outcomes. Denials due to clarity often indicate areas where more specificity is needed, whether it’s in project plans, outcomes, or budgets.
Competition and Limited Funds
High competition is a reality in grant writing. Many applications are denied simply because there aren’t enough funds to go around. In cases like this, proposals may be strong but still not selected due to the sheer volume of compelling applications.
Unrealistic Goals or Budget
Proposals with goals or budgets that seem unrealistic or lack proper justification may be denied. Funders want to invest in projects that demonstrate a feasible, thoughtful approach to their goals and that can realistically be achieved within the requested budget.
Poor Presentation or Technical Errors
Simple errors such as typos, formatting issues, or a lack of adherence to guidelines can contribute to a denial. These aspects can detract from the professionalism of the proposal, even if the content is strong.
Turning Denial into Opportunity
Seek Feedback
After receiving a denial, always reach out to the funder (if allowed) to request feedback. Many funders are open to providing insights into why a proposal was not selected. This feedback is invaluable, as it helps identify areas for improvement and increases the chances of success in future applications.
Reevaluate and Refine Your Approach
Use the denial as an opportunity to revisit your proposal. Evaluate the feedback received and take a hard look at your application with fresh eyes. Did the goals align well with the funder’s mission? Was your budget realistic? Treat this as a learning experience to refine not only your proposal but your approach to researching and targeting funders.
Strengthen Relationships with Funders
A denial doesn’t have to mean the end of a relationship with a funder. Consider sending a follow-up note expressing gratitude for their time and feedback, and share updates on your organization’s progress. This keeps your organization on the funder’s radar, and they may consider your application for future funding opportunities.
Build Resilience and Improve Strategy
Repeated denials can be disheartening, but they’re also a part of growth. Learning to handle rejection gracefully helps build resilience, and each denial offers a lesson that strengthens future proposals. Keep a record of past denials and feedback to analyze patterns over time and adapt your strategy.
Denials as Communication with Future Donors
Think of denials as an ongoing dialogue with the funding community. Each grant application provides a clearer picture of what resonates with funders. Building a successful grant-seeking strategy means understanding this communication cycle—knowing that each proposal is a message about your organization, and each denial is feedback on how to refine that message. Over time, this process helps create proposals that are better tailored to funders’ interests, and ultimately, it contributes to establishing your organization’s reputation in the grant ecosystem.
Moving Forward: What to Do After a Denial
- Update Your Grant Calendar
Track denials and incorporate them into a grant calendar. This will allow you to revisit certain funders, identify trends in denials, and refine application strategies over time.
- Invest in Skills and Training
Consider grant writing workshops, coaching, or consultations to improve your skills. Investing in grant training can yield high returns by equipping your team with the expertise to write compelling proposals that are more likely to win grants.
- Look for Alternative Funding Opportunities
Denials may sometimes signal that other types of funding are a better fit for your organization. Use this time to explore additional grant options or alternative funding sources like partnerships, sponsorships, or community fundraising.
Receiving a denial letter can be discouraging, but it’s crucial to remember that denials are a fundamental part of the grant-seeking journey. Embrace them as opportunities for growth, learning, and relationship-building. Every denial brings you one step closer to crafting a winning proposal and understanding the grant ecosystem more deeply. With each application, you’re honing your skills, strengthening your network, and making progress toward funding that will make a difference for your organization.
Denials aren’t a dead end—they’re just one part of the grant cycle. When viewed as learning experiences, they become invaluable tools for growth. By using feedback effectively, refining your approach, and continuing to build relationships with funders, your organization will increase its chances of success and create a strong foundation for future grant applications. Embrace the journey, learn from each step, and use denials to fuel your path to eventual funding success.