Ten Reasons Why Funding Applications Succeed or Fail

This article provides a list of ten common reasons why funding applications succeed, and ten reasons why application often fail. Hint; success is the reverse of failure and vice versa.

Ten Reasons Why Applications Succeed

  1. The organisation makes an application.
  2. The need for the project is strongly proven and the applicant convinces the funder that it is the best placed organisation to take on the challenge.
  3. The applicant chooses the most appropriate funders to approach.
  4. The applicant researches the funder intensively before an application is lodged.
  5. The application is received by the deadline - fully completed with up-to-date annual report and accounts, governing documents, bank account details and all other relevant enclosures.
  6. The applicant has an amiable working relationship with the funder during the application process.
  7. The application stands out against other applications and the funder can see what it is getting for its investment.
  8. The budget is accurately costed, sources of match funding are in place and the applicant asks for a realistic amount from the funder.
  9. The applicant has good governance, management, administration and financial procedures in place.
  10. The applicant has a good track record of delivering funded projects.

Ten Reasons Why Applications Fail

  1. The applicant is not eligible because of its legal form, lack of charity status, size or geographical remit.
  2. Projects are poorly planned.
  3. Applicants do not present their project clearly and concisely on the application form.
  4. The applicant fails to demonstrate that they meet the criteria.
  5. Applications are made without monitoring and evaluation processes in place.
  6. The budget is problematic and/or unconvincing financial management procedures.
  7. The applicant misses the deadline.
  8. The form is incomplete or illegible.
  9. The supporting documents are incomplete, inaccurate, out-of-date, contradict the application form or are simply not enclosed.
  10. The applicant is asking for too much.