Outlines the common mistakes proposal writers make and why their grant proposals get rejected. Grant seekers get information about: (1) the overall importance of obtaining good background information on relevant foundations or other grant-giving organizations, including their funding priorities, past practices, assets, possibly geographic restrictions, and guidelines for proposals; (2) the value of checking by phone or even in person with the foundation to make sure an organization’s programs are a good fit; (3) the importance of meeting every requirement of the foundation’s guidelines for proposals as well as tailoring the proposal to a particular program; (4) the necessity of checking mathematical calculations and also making sure that budgets are realistic; and (5) the value of demonstrating how the grant will help the organization attract additional funding from other sources. Following these steps does not guarantee that an organization’s proposal will be accepted, because foundations do not have limitless resources, but not getting a grant does not mean an organization will never succeed with the particular funder. A grant-making body that sees a fit will encourage the organization to try again with another proposal.
