Grants: the basics

The most common reasons why applications are turned down include the following:

• the area of research/work is not relevant to the body awarding the grant
• the explanation of how research ideas will be translated into an achievable plan of action is unsatisfactory
• the proposal or application makes statements that are not backed up with supporting facts
• the research plan is unfocused and lacks clarity
• the impact of the work on the wider community/industry has not been communicated effectively
• the information provided in the application is not up to date
• the importance of the funds to the project's success or failure has not been made clear
• the applicant is unable to prove they have matched funds
• the need for grant support is not proven

Ask for feedback if your application is declined. While you may not agree with the reasons given, it may provide ideas to help you structure future applications more effectively.

If you cannot get a grant, it may be worth looking at other forms of finance - see bank finance. You might also want to think about raising capital from outside investors by selling shares in your business - see equity finance.

For further finance options for your business see business financing options - an overview.