In the grant application process, accuracy and attention to detail are key. While you might have written the perfect proposal, exceeding the indicated page limit, for instance, could cause your application to be rejected before even being read. This article teaches you some of the common application pitfalls in order to help you avoid making simple, yet fatal errors that could prevent your application from being reviewed by a committee.
Avoid Disqualification — Mind the Details
In a competitive application process, you must pay close attention to every aspect of a proposal, from page limitations to font size. Funding agencies review many deserving applications, looking for applicants who have invested the right amount of effort, not only into the project but also into the application process. The application may be the only chance you have of demonstrating the merits of your project to a funding agency; avoiding careless mistakes will leave a good impression and ensure a greater probability of winning an award. If your organization is an eCivis Grants Network client, you can easily access the funding announcement, program guidelines, and all application forms and instructions for each funding opportunity.
Submission Deadlines and Requirements
It is critical to know whether an application must be postmarked or received by the funding agency on a specific date. If an application must be received by an indicated deadline, make sure the application is mailed well in advance of that date. Postmarked deadlines must have proof of the mailing date for reference purposes.
Many applications may now also be submitted online, making the process more convenient and less costly. Online applications typically identify any required registration processes; make sure you budget enough time before the application deadlines to complete them.
Funding agencies often require multiple copies of an application to be submitted with the original. Take note of the number of copies and any specific formatting requirements, such as clearly marking the original application with a label or sticky note.
Organization, Format, and Page Limits
While your organization probably has a great idea that should not be limited to twenty single-sided pages, if the funding agency has set a specific page limit, that twenty-first page making the case for why your organization deserves an award will not be read. Page limitations for proposals or other application materials are often noted very clearly in the Notice of Funding Availability or application guidance document. If they are not, check with the funding agency to learn any additional parameters or general preferences for a proposal's format.
An application's format is essential to its overall presentation and the impression that it gives. If an application has a checklist or requires specific sections, make sure that all of the elements listed are included in your finished product. Failing to include, for example, a mandatory project summary, which might be a key section for reviewers, could jeopardize your chances at an award. When perusing the application instructions, note any specific formatting requirements regarding font type and size, margin restrictions, or a document's general presentation (e.g., color, binding methods, type of paper, etc.). In general, font sizes no smaller than 10- or 12-point should be used, and margins should typically measure one inch on all sides.
Budget
Submitting an accurate and reasonable budget breakdown for your funding request is just as important as the rest of the proposal. Adding additional or unnecessary expenses that inflate the amount requested could imply a sense of greed or deception. On the other hand, underestimating the cost of a project could give the appearance of ignorance of the project's actual cost.
Being aware of these basic application pitfalls will help you know what to include or not include and will increase your likelihood of winning an award.
By following all of the program requirements and guidelines in a conscientious manner, you will be able to watch your step throughout the grants application process.
