After reviewing hundreds of grant applications, we've identified patterns in why applications fail. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Not Reading the Guidelines Thoroughly
The Mistake: Skimming the call documentation and missing crucial requirements.
The Fix:
- Read the full call document at least twice
- Create a checklist of all requirements
- Highlight mandatory elements and deadlines
- Check for FAQ documents and updates
2. Applying for the Wrong Grant
The Mistake: Forcing your project to fit a call that isn't a good match.
The Fix:
- Honestly assess if your project aligns with the call's objectives
- Look for calls that naturally fit your work
- If you need to significantly change your project to fit, it's probably not the right call
3. Weak Problem Statement
The Mistake: Assuming evaluators understand why your project matters.
The Fix:
- Clearly articulate the problem you're solving
- Use data to demonstrate the scope and urgency
- Explain what happens if the problem isn't addressed
- Connect the problem directly to your solution
4. Unclear Innovation
The Mistake: Not explaining what makes your approach different or better.
The Fix:
- Explicitly state what's novel about your project
- Compare to existing solutions or approaches
- Explain your competitive advantage
- Avoid overclaiming—be honest about limitations
5. Unrealistic Timelines
The Mistake: Promising too much in too little time.
The Fix:
- Break the project into realistic phases
- Include buffer time for unexpected delays
- Consider dependencies between activities
- Have someone outside the team review for realism
6. Budget Inconsistencies
The Mistake: Budget doesn't match the described activities.
The Fix:
- Cross-reference budget with work packages
- Ensure personnel allocation matches task descriptions
- Check that travel costs align with planned meetings
- Have someone verify internal consistency
7. Ignoring Evaluation Criteria
The Mistake: Writing what you want to say instead of what evaluators need to see.
The Fix:
- Structure your proposal around the evaluation criteria
- Use headings that mirror the criteria
- Explicitly address each criterion
- Allocate space proportionally to point values
8. Poor Consortium Balance
The Mistake: Having too many similar partners or missing key expertise.
The Fix:
- Include complementary skills and resources
- Ensure geographic balance if required
- Have clear roles for each partner
- Don't add partners just to fill quotas
9. Vague Impact Claims
The Mistake: Making grand claims without backing them up.
The Fix:
- Be specific about expected outcomes
- Use quantifiable metrics where possible
- Explain how you'll achieve the impact
- Include a realistic exploitation plan
10. Last-Minute Submission
The Mistake: Submitting in the final hours, risking technical issues.
The Fix:
- Plan to submit at least 24 hours early
- Do a test submission if possible
- Have backup internet and devices ready
- Save and export regularly during the process
Bonus: The Self-Review Checklist
Before submitting, ask yourself:
- Have I answered the "So what?" question?
- Would someone outside my field understand this?
- Have I followed all formatting requirements?
- Is my budget justified and consistent?
- Have I addressed all evaluation criteria?
- Has someone else proofread this?
- Am I submitting with time to spare?
Final Thoughts
Most of these mistakes are preventable with proper planning and attention to detail. The difference between funded and unfunded applications often isn't the quality of the idea—it's the quality of the application itself.
Take the time to do it right. Your future self will thank you.