Most common reasons for failure of funding include:
The grantseeker does not systematically search out potential funders from among public, foundation, corporate, and other funding sources
The grantseeker fails to pursue obvious available funds (e.g. donations, fee for service, loans.)
The grantseeker fails to talk with the funder to find out why the request was rejected
The grantseeker is rejected and gives up
The grantseeker stops seeking other grants/funds once they are funded
Grantseekers do not cultivate personal contacts with funders
Grantseekers do not get on Request for Proposal (RFP) or bid lists, receive funder newsletters or network effectively
Grantseekers do not thoroughly do the research on each potential funder to determine the funder’s real interests, geographic preferences, and dollar amounts
Grantseekers fail to build a team which would make them more competitive
Grantseekers fail to carefully review and meticulously follow funder instructions, policies, and guidelines
The proposal hasn’t adequately expressed the severity of the need
Proposals are boiler plated and shot gunned instead of tailored for each funder
Proposals are not consistent from section to section
Proposals do not reflect what the grantseeker know