What common mistakes do applicants make that reduce their chance of getting funded, and how can we avoid them?
Question submitted by: Divine Cyizere, AMR Initiative Rwanda, Rwanda
“Most applications fail long before you start the application process!”
I begin here because many NGOs believe their challenge is proposal writing, when in fact the real issue is readiness, fit, and positioning. Applications are not the starting point. Grant readiness is.
While there are many reasons why applications fail, most fall into a few recurring patterns.
1. Applying for opportunities that are not a good fit
“No matter how strong the writing, if the fit is not good, the application is unlikely to succeed.”
Many applications fail because NGOs do not take the time to assess whether an opportunity is genuinely aligned with their priorities. This often leads to applying for funding they do not fit, whether due to geography, organisational size and capacity, legal status, or thematic focus. In practice, this manifests as weak alignment with donor priorities, forced language, or proposals that stretch the organisation beyond its mandate.
2. Lack of preparation
“‘Many proposals fail because preparation was not given the time it deserves.”
Fundraising is demanding work, yet many teams approach it reactively, rushing into applications without adequate preparation. Developing strong applications requires serious investment of time, energy, and resources; it cannot be treated as a last-minute task. Poor preparation often results in weak project design.
3. Assuming the donor already trusts you
“Relationships often determine which applications receive serious consideration.”
Donors often fund organisations with which they have a relationship, or at least a growing sense of trust in. Organisations, especially past grantees, often assume that this trust already exists and therefore under-articulate their governance, financial controls, partnerships, and implementation systems. Others apply to new donors without recognising that trust must first be built.
4. Proposals that are not compelling
Compelling applications answer the donor’s central question: “Why should we trust you with this investment?”
Compelling applications are clear and focused, with a strong thread running throughout. The problem is specific and well articulated; the strategy responds directly to it; the value proposition is clear; the monitoring and learning approach is realistic; and the budget reinforces the narrative.
Compelling applications are not just about perfect writing. They are the result of fit, preparation, clarity, and trust coming together.
(This answer was provided by Lucy Njue, a Kenyan fundraising and sustainability strategist, and Founder and Executive Director of Realtime Insights)
