Grant Writing Mistakes to Avoid This Summer

At Strategic Disruption Consulting, we’ve supported dozens of organizations in securing funding that truly matches their mission. Along the way, we’ve noticed a few common missteps that can weaken even the most impactful proposals.

If you’re playing catch-up or getting ahead of fall and year-end funding deadlines, here are grant writing mistakes to avoid—and what to do instead:

Writing to Impress, Not to Connect

The Mistake: Using jargon, buzzwords, or overly technical language to sound “professional” or “grant-worthy.”

Why it Hurts: Funders aren’t just investing in programs; they’re investing in people. If your proposal sounds robotic, your mission and values get lost.

What to Do Instead: Write as if you’re speaking to a smart, curious person who’s new to your work. Tell a compelling, human-centered story and use clear language and concrete examples. Let your passion and purpose shine through. Tip: Read your proposal out loud. If it doesn’t sound like you or if you’d never say it that way in a meeting, it’s time to revise.

Treating Each Application Like It’s One-Size-Fits-All

The Mistake: Copy-pasting from past proposals without tailoring your answers to each funder’s priorities.

Why it Hurts: Funders want to see how your work aligns with their mission. Generic language signals you didn’t take the time to understand what they’re looking for.

What to Do Instead: Study the funder’s website, past grantees, and funding priorities. Speak directly to those themes in your application and draw clear connections between your goals and theirs. Tip: Create a customizable proposal template with editable sections for alignment, impact, and outcomes. This saves time while still allowing you to be specific.

Skipping the “Why Now?”

The Mistake: Failing to communicate urgency in your proposal.

Why it Hurts: Funders receive hundreds of applications from worthy organizations. What sets yours apart is not just what you do but why it matters right now. If you don’t make a strong case for urgency, your proposal may get passed over for one that does.

What to Do Instead: Connect your work to current events, emerging community needs, or timely opportunities. Frame your project as a strategic and necessary investment at this moment, not just “nice to have.” Tip: Ask yourself, “What makes this work essential right now?” Weave that answer into your executive summary, problem statement, and call to action.

Waiting Until the Last Minute to Apply

The Mistake: Rushing to meet deadlines without time for edits, internal review, or required attachments.

Why it Hurts: Last-minute submissions often include errors, inconsistencies, or missing pieces that can disqualify your application.

What to Do Instead: Map out your grant deadlines in advance and work backward to ensure timely submissions. Build in time for internal feedback, document collection, and final proofreading. If a grant isn’t feasible at the moment, let it go. There will be other opportunities. Tip: Use a shared grant calendar (tools like Notion or Airtable work well) to track deadlines, draft status, and submission requirements across your team.

Progress Over Perfection

No grant application will ever be 100% perfect, and that’s okay. What matters most is clarity and alignment. If you’ve been DIYing your grants or feeling overwhelmed by the process, you don’t have to go it alone.

Book a free consultation with the Strategic Disruption Consulting team. Let’s secure your next grant win.