It’s common for proposals to get declined, since each funder receives more proposals than they can approve. What to do when you get declined? Ask for feedback! Then use that feedback to improve your proposal for next time. Use this FREE done-for-you email to ask funders for feedback. (It’s the email I use and it has worked magic.)

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The Power of Feedback

Professional grant writers know that feedback is extremely valuable. By getting feedback from donors, you can identify gaps in your proposal (or even in your overall grantseeking strategy), strengthen weak points, and significantly improve your chances of success in future submissions.

Getting detailed feedback helps you understand:

  • Specific areas where your proposal fell short

  • Any (mis)alignment with funder priorities

  • Any concerns about the technical aspects of your project

  • Any issues with your budget

  • Any things in your proposal that were unclear

The above email template is designed to help you obtain valuable insights from funders. This professional approach demonstrates your commitment to improvement and maintains positive relationships with funding organizations.

And if you don’t hear a response, feel free to follow up again. They may have just been swamped that day! And if you still don’t get a response, let it go. Hopefully you can get feedback in response to 25% of your requests.

Beyond the Initial Response

After receiving feedback, create an action plan:

  • Thank the people who gave you feedback

  • Document all feedback received

  • Prioritize changes based on reviewer comments

  • Research successful proposals in your field

  • Consider seeking professional review before resubmission

Remember that many successful grant recipients face initial rejection. Each revision cycle strengthens your grant-writing skills and increases your understanding of funder preferences.

By implementing a systematic approach to proposal improvement:

  • You build stronger relationships with funders

  • Your writing becomes more precise and persuasive

  • You develop a better understanding of funder priorities

  • Your success rate improves over time

    Now go for it!

FREE RESOURCE

How to turn your declined proposal into a winning proposal