What to Do When You Don’t Get the Grant

Practical + affirming approaches to rejection, follow-up, and iteration

So, you poured your energy into the grant application. You aligned your mission, told your story, and submitted your proposal. And then the email came in: "We regret to inform you…"

Rejection stings. Especially when you're doing necessary but underfunded work. Especially when you know your community can't afford to wait.

Take a deep breath because this isn't the end of the road. It's a detour. Here's how to navigate what comes next with your team and your vision intact.

Feel it. Name it. Don't Carry it Alone.

Disappointment is real. Grant rejection can feel personal, especially for BIPOC-led and grassroots organizations already navigating systemic inequity. Give yourself and your team space to process without judgment. Consider gathering your team for a brief debrief to acknowledge everyone's efforts, share any feedback received, and discuss the next steps together. Open, supportive communication helps maintain morale and fosters resilience.

Remember, rejection is often a reflection of limited funding, internal politics, or misalignment rather than a reflection of your worth or the value of your work. Practice self-compassion and, if needed, allow yourself a moment to rest before moving forward.

Ask for Feedback (Even if You Don't Get it)

Some funders won't provide it, but when they do, it can be gold. Politely request feedback to understand what could be strengthened or what simply didn't align with your expectations. This demonstrates to funders that you're serious about learning and growth.

Try this: "Thank you for considering our proposal. If you're open to sharing any feedback, we'd love to learn how we might strengthen future submissions or better align with your priorities."

Even a short response can guide your next move. One organization we worked with received a brief note about clarifying their outcomes, made that adjustment, and secured funding from a different source the following quarter.

Update Your Grants Tracker

Capture what you learned—and anything you submitted—so it's easier to reuse or revise next time. Track:

• The funder's priorities and patterns

• Any feedback or internal notes

• Attachments and narratives used

• Whether you plan to reapply (and when)

This helps you build a resilient grant strategy, not just chase deadlines.

Also, just because it was a "no" this time doesn't mean it's "no" forever. Stay connected: sign up for the funder's newsletter, attend a webinar, or follow their program officers on LinkedIn. Let them see you showing up and growing.

Revisit and Diversify Your Pipeline

One "no" shouldn't stop your flow. Revisit your list of upcoming grant deadlines and look for funding that's better aligned. Diversify the types of funders you're approaching. Consider not only national foundations but also local, regional, and community-based opportunities, which may be more accessible and values-aligned for BIPOC-led organizations.

Need a place to start? Our monthly grant roundup curates timely, accessible opportunities that prioritize equity and inclusion.

Iterate—Don't Scrap the Whole Thing

You don't have to start from scratch. Use the rejected proposal as a draft in progress. Tailor it to a new funder, strengthen your outcomes section, and refine your story and numbers. Every proposal is a building block.

The Work is Still Worthy

Funding is essential, but it's not the only measure of impact. Keep telling your story, building power, and showing up for your community. You are not defined by rejection but by the vision, care, and commitment you bring to the work, even when funders don't see it yet.

Many rejections are rooted in broader systemic barriers within philanthropy. Your persistence is a form of resistance, and your work remains vital.