What are common mistakes to avoid in grant writing?
Question submitted by: Nkangi Khalid, Generous Individual Values and Equality Foundation, Uganda
One common mistake in grant writing is relying too much on internal jargon. Organisations often use language that makes sense to their team but is unclear to external reviewers. Acronyms, technical terms, and locally specific phrases can discourage funders unfamiliar with the organisation’s day-to-day work. Grant proposals should focus more on clarity than on sounding sophisticated. If a reviewer struggles to understand what you do, you risk losing their interest.
Ambiguity is another common issue. Vague statements like “we empower communities” or “we improve livelihoods” sound positive but don’t communicate clear actions or results. Strong proposals are concise. They clearly state the problem, describe the proposed solution, and outline the expected outcomes. Instead of broad claims, they include focused objectives, realistic timelines, and measurable success indicators. Being concise doesn’t mean oversimplifying; it means removing unnecessary words, so your main message stands out.
Another key mistake is failing to align with the funder’s priorities. Many organisations reuse generic proposals without customising them for each donor. Funders want to see that you understand their mission, strategy, and funding goals. A good application shows how your work supports their objectives. This isn’t about changing your mission to fit every opportunity, but about showing where your goals align with theirs. Clearly connect your outcomes to the funder’s interests and demonstrate how supporting you helps them reach their impact goals.
Lastly, many proposals focus solely on organisational needs rather than mutual value. Although explaining the problem you’re solving is important, funders are also asking, whether overtly or not, “Why should we invest in this?” Good grant writing builds a case for partnership. It proves your credibility, capacity to deliver, and the broader impact of their support.
Avoiding jargon, cutting down ambiguity, aligning closely with funder priorities, and clearly articulating shared value all make your grant proposal stronger and more competitive.
(This answer was provided by Wanjiru Kinuthia, a Kenyan resource mobilisation and partnerships professional)
