The #1 Grant Mistake Nonprofits Make—and How to Fix It
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Most nonprofits think their biggest grant challenge is competition, but often it's clarity. Caroline breaks down the #1 mistake she sees in grant proposals (spoiler: it’s about impact language) and how to fix it before your next deadline.
When most nonprofits talk about their biggest grantwriting challenge, they point to the crowded field: "It’s just so competitive out there." And yes, that’s true—there are more organizations than ever vying for limited philanthropic dollars.
But here’s a truth we see again and again at GiveProsperly: Competition is not the biggest hurdle. Clarity is.
Funders aren't just choosing between “good” and “bad” applications—they’re deciding which clear, compelling, and strategically aligned projects rise above the rest. In fact, many proposals get passed over not because they weren’t doing important work, but because they failed to communicate that work in a way funders could quickly understand, trust, and champion.
So what’s standing in the way of clarity? Let’s break down the six most common clarity killers—and how to fix them.
1. Ambiguous Goals That Leave Funders Guessing
Saying your organization wants to “improve education” or “enhance community well-being” is a start—but it’s not enough. Funders need to know what success looks like and how you’ll measure it.
👉 Instead of vague aspirations, aim for precise outcomes. For example:
“We aim to increase early literacy rates among K-3 students in East Hampton by 25% over the next 18 months.”
Clear, measurable goals signal to funders that you’ve done your homework—and that their investment will have tangible results.
2. Misaligned Proposals That Miss the Mark
Too often, nonprofits rush to apply without fully understanding the funder’s priorities. A compelling project on your end doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for them.
👉 Before you write a single word, take time to:
Study the funder’s mission, website, and past grantees.
Note any language they use repeatedly, and mirror it in your proposal.
Make a direct case for how your work advances their goals.
Remember: alignment isn’t about forcing a match. It’s about finding genuine synergy.
3. Dense, Jargon-Heavy Language
Your program might be based on sound research and sophisticated models—but if a funder can’t understand your proposal on a first read, they won’t fund it.
👉 Use plain, accessible language—even if you're writing about complex issues.
Define any acronyms the first time you use them.
Swap out technical terms for everyday words when possible.
Pretend you're explaining your project to a smart, curious friend.
Clarity doesn’t mean dumbing things down—it means making sure you’re understood.
4. Disorganized Proposals That Ramble or Repeat
Funders review dozens, sometimes hundreds, of proposals. A document that’s scattered, redundant, or hard to follow? That’s a quick trip to the “no” pile.
👉 Your proposal should unfold like a good story:
Start with the problem you’re solving.
Introduce your solution and why it matters.
Show how you’ll do it—and what success will look like.
Use clear headings, short paragraphs, and bullet points where appropriate. Make it easy for funders to follow your logic from start to finish.
5. A Missing or Muddled Case for Impact
Even the best-written proposal falls flat if it doesn’t clearly answer: Why does this matter?
Funders want to see the change they’ll be investing in—and they want you to back it up.
👉 Make your case with:
Relevant data or stats that highlight the problem.
Real-life examples or testimonials that bring the issue to life.
A direct link between your work and the outcomes it will produce.
When funders can visualize the ripple effect of their support, they’re more likely to say yes.
6. Typos and Sloppy Edits That Undercut Your Credibility
A few small errors might seem harmless—but they signal a lack of attention to detail. And if you’re asking for thousands (or millions) of dollars, that’s not the impression you want to leave.
👉 Always:
Run spelling and grammar checks.
Read your proposal out loud—it’s the best way to catch awkward phrasing.
Have a colleague or external reviewer give it a fresh set of eyes.
A polished proposal reflects a professional, thoughtful team worth investing in.
Final Thought
At GiveProsperly, we help clients win grants not by making their proposals louder—but by making them clearer. When you strip away the fluff, the jargon, and the generic promises, what remains should be a focused, funder-aligned proposal that tells a powerful story of impact.
Because clarity doesn’t just cut through the noise.Clarity converts.
Caroline, Grants Guru
Need help bringing clarity to your next proposal? Let’s talk. GiveProsperly offers strategic grant consulting designed to increase your confidence and your conversion rate. Visit giveprosperly.com to learn more.
