What to do if your grant application is rejected
A rejection doesn't always mean you did something wrong: it can be due to a lack of budget, a score below the cut-off, or a requirement that wasn't met. This guide helps you read the decision and decide your next move.
1. Read the reasoning first
The decision must state the reason for rejection: failing to meet requirements, not reaching the minimum score, or the available budget running out. That reason determines whether appealing makes sense.
It's different for an application to be rejected for missing the score cut-off (funds running out among many valid applications) versus being ruled inadmissible for missing a formal requirement: the implications and room for appeal differ.
2. Deadlines and types of appeal
Depending on which administration decides, you can usually file an administrative or reconsideration appeal, generally within one month of notification unless the decision states otherwise. If the application was electronic, the appeal usually must go through the same channel.
Appealing doesn't guarantee overturning the decision: you need to provide arguments and, where relevant, documentation that wasn't assessed correctly or was submitted late for justified reasons.
3. If you're not going to appeal
Many calls repeat year after year or have similar lines open at other agencies; it's worth checking whether an alternative exists before ruling out the grant entirely.
Keep the documentation you've already prepared, since much of it will be reused for your next application, and note precisely which requirement or criterion you fell short on.
Checklist
- I've identified the exact reason for rejection
- I've checked the deadline and type of appeal available
- I've checked whether a similar call with an open deadline exists
- I've saved the already-prepared documentation to reuse it
- I've noted which requirement or criterion wasn't met