13 signs your bids have room for improvement

1. Your bid is outside the eligibility criteria

Before you wrote your bid you checked the criteria, didn’t you? This is the top reason bids get rejected. So, read the criteria and then read it again. If there's any supplementary guidelines read them too.

They're there for a reason - to avoid wasting time and to help you. If your project isn't what they're looking for, find another grant opportunity. Irrelevant bid proposals will get rejected straight away.

If you have any questions, make a note of them. Time spent here, will save frustration and disappointment later on.

2. You didn’t ring the funder

Ask the questions that you noted in the previous point. That’s what the funder’s there for and they won't mind you ringing.

In fact, you should contact them direct when applying for a large amount. Who's going to dish out large sums of money without talking to you first? So, pick up the phone. Tell them about your project and find out any of the finer details of their requirements.

You can make sure your understanding of the eligibility criteria is correct - and that you're a good fit. And get ideas of how you can improve your application too.

Sometimes it can be difficult to cover everything in the criteria. Getting clarification is a good move. You'll feel more confident in your application - and it'll show too.

3. You never researched previous winning projects

Find out what similar projects have won in the past. What makes them stand out? Are they reaching a new audience? Are the projects ground-breaking? Note down what you discover.

If you can speak to someone who's won bids before, then do so. You'll get some great insight from this. Most people will only be too glad to help.

4. You didn't answer the questions in full

Read over the questions multiple times to make sure you understand what’s being asked. Lack of attention to detail will show - you need to put in the time and effort.

But don’t write War and Peace. Be precise and succinct. Think about what the funder’s asking for. Tailor your application to the grant criteria.

Never cut and paste from previous bids; it’s obvious when someone does this. Yes, include relevant information but gear it towards the specific question you're being asked.

Always ask yourself 'what other information and evidence would make my application stronger?' – and ‘how does that fit this question?’.

5. You left the application until the last minute

Leave as much time as possible to complete your bid. It’s surprising how long the process can take, especially the checking and rechecking.

Create a calendar and map all the stages in the process. What information or figures do you need Who do you need to talk to? What's their availability? Who needs to sign this off before it's submitted.

Factor everything in and then add extra time to account for things you've not thought of yet.

6. You never explained the work you do

The funder most likely doesn’t know you and they’re not mind readers. So, don’t assume anything. Give them a clear picture of what you do. Let them know what a difference your project has already made - or will make. But always back up with evidence.

Who are the people that will drive the project? What experience they have? Where experience is lacking show your passion and drive - or get someone experienced on board. Show that you've done your research. The funder needs to be confident in the team too.

7. You didn’t address your weaknesses

Look for the weaknesses in your project and address them. Show that you've thought it all through and at the very least have a plan. It might be the reason you're requesting the grant in any case. This could include funding to bring more counsellors on board or improve the marketing to get in front of more end users. If you show that your bid has been well thought through - and you’re addressing weak spots – you’ll build your credibility with the fundraisers.

8. You haven't involved your beneficiaries

Show how your end users are getting involved. Add data or information so they can see the difference the project has already made, if possible. Or, that you’ve done research to show that this is a much needed project for that group of people. How will it improve their lives? It could also include research and information from experts in the field to back up your case. Include all relevant stakeholders where possible.

9. You’re bidding for inappropriate sums of money

Check the site for the average grant size – you need to pitch it just right. Bidding too low will not give you more chance of gaining the grant; it’ll show you don't understand the bid process. Funders want to be confident that the grant will make a difference to the people you’re serving.

10. You haven't written in plain English

Forget jargon, write in plain English and say what you mean. You won’t get brownie points for doing otherwise. Use paragraphs and make sure that your sentences flow.

When the document is complete, get someone else to read it. It's even better if they don't know anything about your project. What doesn't make sense? Is information missing? What other questions do they have? Be clear in your writing.

11. Your sums don’t add up

You’ve got to get your sums right! Check all the costs – and that they add up to the total amount you're bidding for.

Bid documents are often reviewed by various people in an organisation. In the process, figures can get changed. It's easy to forget to recheck them. But do, because this detail is important.

12. You didn't include supporting documents

Add supporting documents wherever possible. A plan and Gantt chart would be a good idea, depending on the complexity of your project.

Keep the balance right. Provide adequate detail of the events that will need to happen to make your project happen. Any partnership building, volunteer recruitment or marketing? Include what is relevant to your bid.

13. You didn't review your document

Look at the guidelines again. Where could you make the bid document stronger? What keywords or phrases have they used? Weave them into your proposal where relevant. Review and polish each sentence. Then proofread and check your grammar.

Summary

Creating a solid grant proposal makes all the different when it comes to winning funding. Adhere to the criteria, and leave no stone unturned. Be clear and concise but thorough at the same time. A funder can tell a great deal about project team or individual by the quality of their application. Make sure that yours stands out from the crowd. By putting in the time and effort and not taking short cuts you’ll really improve your chances of success.