What are the common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid when writing a grant application?

It is also a good idea to learn more about the funder by doing some background research regarding the types of projects they funded in the past. This will help you get an insight about the probability of your project getting funded. Compare your project and the previously funded projects by the funder, in your area of interest. It can help you understand existing pitfalls and the additional elements that you might think to add. This is because every funding body or agency has a few areas of preference when it comes to fund approval.

Common grant application pitfalls: unclear goals, weak justification, unrealistic budget, disregarding guidelines, poor organization, overpromising, lack of tailoring, insufficient evidence, missing deadlines, no feedback sought.

One of the first steps in writing a grant application is to identify the most suitable funding agency or organization for your project. You need to understand their goals, priorities, criteria, and expectations, and tailor your proposal accordingly. Do not assume that the same proposal will work for different funders or that you can use generic or vague language. Instead, show how your project aligns with the funder's mission, vision, and values, and how it addresses a specific problem or gap in their field of interest. This alignment increases the likelihood of your proposal being seen as relevant and valuable.

Create a summary of the guidelines as a flow chart or an excel sheet as per the sections. It will save a lot of your time in referring to the guidelines every now and then while you develop the grant proposal

Another crucial aspect of writing a grant application is to follow the guidelines and instructions provided by the funder. These may include specific formats, lengths, sections, deadlines, and submission methods. Ignoring or violating the guidelines can result in your application being rejected or disqualified, regardless of its quality or merit. Therefore, you should read the guidelines carefully, follow them strictly, and check your application for compliance before submitting it. Creating a checklist or summary of the guidelines can help ensure that you don't miss any critical requirements.

Avoid jargon and remember to spell out abbreviations the first time they are used. What may seem like common language to you, the author, may be foreign to the reviewer. Jargon can differ greatly across disciplines. Explain terms that may not be common. Best to assume the reviewers are not familiar with your research interest or the field, be thorough!

A grant application is a professional document that should communicate your project's objectives, methods, outcomes, and impacts in a clear and concise manner. Avoid using jargon, acronyms, technical terms, or complex sentences that may confuse or alienate your readers. Instead, use simple, precise, and consistent language that conveys your main points and arguments effectively. Proofread and edit your application for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style errors that may undermine your credibility or clarity. Remember, clarity is key to making your proposal understandable and persuasive.

An often overlooked quality is to use the simplest writing to explain a complex concept. Even though your reviewers are within and/closer to your field, no one wants to spend time deciphering complicated language. Writing your text, coming back to it a few hours later and editing it and then reading it out loud is an efficient way of making good progress. One valuable advice my mentor gave me was to write as if I’m explaining to a Highschool kid, then read it and make corrections. It helps clarify long winded thoughts into coherent and concise sentences.

A grant application is also a persuasive document that should convince your readers that you and your team have the expertise, skills, and resources to carry out your project successfully. Provide evidence of your qualifications, experience, and achievements in your field, as well as those of your collaborators or partners. Demonstrate the feasibility and validity of your project's design, methodology, timeline, budget, and evaluation plan. Anticipate and address any potential challenges, risks, or limitations that may affect your project's implementation or outcomes. This establishes credibility and assures the funder of your capability to deliver results.

A grant application is not only a description of your project but also a justification of why it is worth funding. Highlight the impact and significance of your project for your discipline, your target audience, your funder, and society at large. Explain how your project will contribute to the advancement of knowledge, the improvement of practice, the solution of problems, or the creation of opportunities in your field. Show how your project will meet the funder's objectives, expectations, and indicators of success. Emphasizing the broader implications of your work can make a compelling case for its importance.

You should also find out about the funder, so that you can best meet their expectations. A foundation that relies on donations needs media coverage, while a state institution is looking for economic or academic benefits.

A grant application is not a solo endeavor but a collaborative effort that can benefit from feedback and support from others. Seek input and advice from colleagues, mentors, peers, or experts in your field, who can offer constructive criticism, suggestions, or insights on your proposal. Consult with your institution's grant office, research center, or library, which can provide guidance, resources, or assistance on various aspects of your application. Be open to feedback and use it to improve your proposal before submitting it. Collaboration and feedback can significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of your application.

Consider sharing examples, stories, or insights that don't fit into the previous sections but add value to your grant application. For instance, you might include anecdotes that illustrate the real-world impact of your previous work, testimonials from beneficiaries of your research, or unique challenges you've overcome. These personal touches can make your application more engaging and relatable. Additionally, stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in grant writing by participating in relevant workshops, webinars, or professional development courses. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to staying competitive in the grant application process.