From Rejection to Funding: How Researchers Can Improve Their Grant Proposals

The process of submitting a grant proposal, specially for international grants, is very competitive. Therefore, it is not uncommon for a researcher or research team to face rejection when submitting grant proposals. If you had a grant proposal denied despite having a good team and (what you consider) a strong proposal, it can feel discouraging. But instead of seeing these rejections as failures, consider them valuable learning experiences that can help you grow and improve your future grant submissions.

I suggest a ten-step framework that will help you understand why the proposal got rejected and how it can be revised and improved to meet the standards set by the funder.

 

1. Request Feedback and Reviewers' Comments

One of the most important ways to improve your grant proposals is feedback from the funding body or review committee. If you have not received detailed feedback on your proposal and it is not against the policy of the funding agency, request feedback about why your proposal was not successful.

 Understanding the reasons behind the decision can provide you with actionable insights. You can learn which part of the proposal needs to be strengthened – e.g., your objectives were unclear, your methodology was incomplete, or your project did not align well with the funder's priorities.

Review this feedback carefully and share it with the team. Sometimes the small adjustments can make a big difference, and this feedback is important for improving your proposal for future submissions, specially in case of recurring grants.

 

2. Revise Your Proposal Based on the Feedback

Consider a rejection as a potential opportunity to improve your proposal. Take the time to go over your research proposal with your team and supervisor and revise it based on the feedback and comments you received.

Some Key areas to revise many include

• Objectives and goals: Are they clear, measurable, and achievable? Ensure your research questions are well-defined.
• Funders' priorities: Make sure your proposal is aligned with the funder’s mission and goals. If you have not clearly demonstrated this connection, you must emphasize it.
• Methodology: Your research design must be correct and feasible within the timeline and resources you have. A well crafted and clear methodology can make your proposal stand out.

 

3. Explore Alternative Funding Sources

Funders can vary widely in their priorities, so do not limit yourself to a single funder or organization. There are likely other organizations that might be a better fit for your research. Some funders may have interests more aligned with your specific research goals. Smaller funding organizations might also offer less competitive opportunities.

Expand your search for grants and look for funding opportunities offered by different types of organizations, such as:

• Government agencies
• Private foundations
• Non-profit organizations
• Corporate partnerships

 

4. Make Your Proposal Understandable by Non experts

Grant review panels often consist of a mix of experts and non-experts. It is important to write in a language that is understandable to everyone reviewing your proposal. If your proposal is too technical or has a lot of jargon, non-expert reviewers might have difficulty understanding the importance of your proposal, and it might result in rejection.

Try to simplify your language and clearly explain how your research contributes to solving a broader societal, scientific, or practical problem. Getting feedback from non-experts before submission will ensure that your proposal is understandable.

 

5. Strengthen Your Research Team

A research team with diverse members can significantly strengthen your proposal. If your current team members are lacking in any key areas, consider bringing in additional expert members.

Funders often look for evidence that the project is in capable hands. Having a team of experts can reassure funders that your project will be executed successfully. If needed add co-investigators, collaborators, or specialists in areas where you might need additional expertise. For instance, if your research requires specialized equipment or data analysis techniques, partnering with someone who has that experience can improve the chances of your proposal’s acceptance.

 

6. Consider Collaborations with Other Institutions

Collaborating with other institutions or research groups can also strengthen your proposal. This can provide additional credibility and resources, which may make your application more competitive. Strong collaborations demonstrate that you have the support and capacity to conduct a large or complex project. Funders may also view collaborations as a way to increase the impact of your research.

You should actively reach out to other researchers or institutions that might have expertise in your field. This could add significant value to your project and increase your chances of securing funding.

 

7. Be Persistent and Patient

Rejection is disappointing, but it is also a normal part of the research funding process. Many successful researchers have faced multiple rejections before their projects were funded. Persistence is key here. Consider each rejection as a stepping stone to improving your approach and moving closer to your goal.

 

8. Explore Alternative Funding Pathways

Sometimes, waiting for the perfect grant opportunity might not be the best path. Consider alternative funding options such as self-funding, industry collaborations, or applied research projects with private companies. These alternate pathways, while not common, could provide the resources you need to get your research started, even if traditional funding is not available.

 

9. Attend Grant Writing Workshops and Seek Mentorship

If you are still facing challenges, consider attending a grant writing workshop or seeking mentorship from experienced grant writers or researchers who have been successful in securing funding. Learning from those who have succeeded can give you a new perspective on how to improve your approach. This approach can help you improve your writing skills and better understand what funders are looking for in successful proposals.

 

10. Stay Connected with the Research Community

Networking is not just about finding collaborators. It is also about staying informed about new funding opportunities, research trends, and developments in your field. The more connected you are to your research community, the more likely you are to hear about relevant funding opportunities and best practices for successful grant applications.

Plan to attend conferences, engage with peers online, and keep up with funding announcements. Building your professional network will help you stay on top of potential opportunities.

 

Conclusion

Grant proposal rejections are tough, but they must not be the end of your journey. It is important to remember that research and grant proposal submission is often a marathon and not a sprint. Each attempt or failure teaches you something valuable and gets you closer to success.

Do not give up on your passion for your research — the persistence will eventually pay off.

 

Dr. Farooq is a Rising Scholars Steward (https://risingscholars.net/en/about/rising-scholars-team/). He is currently working as a Professor and Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine, Pain Specialist, and Bioethicist at the Quetta Institute of Medical Sciences, Quetta. He describes himself as a rehabilitation physician, learner, teacher, and mentor.

This post was inspired by questions posed by the participants in live session ( 27th March 2025)  on Grant Writing MOOC by Rising Scholar.

The images were generated by Google Gemini -Imagen 3 ( 28th March 2025)