What not to say when applying for a grant
So you're going for a grant. It's brutal out there. The words you pick? They can totally make or break you. Let's talk about the stuff you should never, ever say.
Why do grant applications get rejected?
Reviewers? They're looking for one thing—alignment with what they care about. Applications get tossed when they reek of desperation, lazy prep, or just plain missing the point. Certain phrases? They're like flashing neon signs screaming "reject me."
What phrases should I avoid in a grant proposal?
Here's my list of absolute no-nos. Swap these out for something that doesn't make you look like a rookie.
- "We need the money." Ugh. Desperation city. Try: "This funding will enable us to achieve [specific outcome]." See the difference?
- "We are the best organization." Says who? You? Show me the receipts. Data. Past wins. Prove it.
- "Any amount will help." That just screams "we have no clue what we're doing." Be exact. Say how much and why.
- "We have no other funding." Yikes. That makes you look shaky. Talk about your other supporters and how you'll keep going.
- "We will figure out the details later." Grantors hate that. They want a plan. A real one. With dates and dollars.
- "Our project is unique." Spoiler: it's probably not. Instead, drill down on what makes your approach different and what impact you'll have. "We are a small organization." Nobody cares about size. They care if you can actually deliver. Brag about your team's chops.
What are the biggest mistakes in grant writing?
Beyond the words, here's the stuff that'll sink you faster than a lead balloon.
| Mistake | Why It Hurts | Better Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Ignoring grant guidelines | Makes you look like you't respect their process. | Follow every single instruction. To the letter. |
| Using jargon or vague language | Confuses everyone. Weakens your whole pitch. | Plain English. Clear. Specific. |
| Not proofreading | Looks sloppy. Unprofessional. | Get a few people to read it. Fresh eyes catch stuff. |
| ailing to show impact | They want to see what changes. Measurable stuff. | Give them numbers. Evaluation plans. Real results. |
| Writing a generic proposal | Shows you didn't bother to learn about them. | Customize every proposal. Make it about them. |
How can I make my grant application stand out?
So how do you not get lost in the pile? Clarity. Fit. Evidence. Here's a quick checklist that actually works.
- Research the funder: Dig into their mission. Look at what they've funded before. What do they care about?
- Tell a compelling story: Numbers are great, but wrap them in a real example. Make them feel the need.
- Be specific: Who, what, when. Lay it all out. No vagueness.
- Show sustainability: How does this thing keep going after the grant money runs out?
- Proofread meticulously: Seriously. A typo can get you tossed. It happens.
Expert insights on grant application language
"The most powerful words in a grant proposal are not about what you need, but about what you will achieve. Focus on outcomes, not inputs." — Jane Smith, Grant Writing Consultant
"Avoid hyperbole. Instead of saying 'we will change the world,' say 'we will provide 500 meals per week to homeless individuals.' Specificity builds trust." — Dr. Alan Brown, Nonprofit Strategist
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I say "we are desperate for funding"?
No way. That screams bad management and no plan. Frame it as an opportunity for them to make a real difference.
Is it okay to mention other grants we have applied for?
Yeah, but only the wins. Don't say "we got rejected ten times." Brag about the ones you've actually landed and what you did with that money.
Should I use emotional language in a grant proposal?
Careful. A good story hits hard, but it needs data to back it up. Skip the melodrama.
What if I don't have all the data yet?
Don't say "we'll get it later." Use solid estimates from research, and explain how you'll collect the real data during the project.
Short Summary
- Avoid desperate language: Phrases like "we need the money" hurt your credibility.
- Be specific and prepared: Show a clear plan, budget, and timeline.
- Focus on impact: Emphasize what you will achieve, not what you lack.
- Tailor every proposal: Research the funder and align your language with their mission.