What if your proposal is refused?

If your proposal is refused, consider it a learning experience. Ask for reviewer’s comments, if available. What you learn can help you revise and re-submit this proposal to the same or a different funder.
Common reasons for refusal:

• Proposal doesn’t follow guidelines
• Sloppiness, errors
• Mismatch of project with funder’s priorities
• Lack of new or original ideas
• Diffuse, superficial or unfocused research plan
• Lack of knowledge of published relevant work
• Lack of experience
  
• Uncertainty about future directions after the grant ends
• Absence of compelling rationale
• Unrealistically large amount of work
• Lack of sufficient detail
• Padded budget