Grant Proposal Rejection Letter Samples 2.0

I received another request for more language found in proposal rejection letters. This is a modified repost from summer 2009. 

For those of you who have never had the good fortune of receiving a rejection letter, below are a few samples of the vague language that can be included. I hope this is useful to our Savvy readers!

The first letter is from a larger foundation that reorganized its funding structure and thus many good organizations were left off of this year's funding cycle.

The second letter came from a smaller foundation in another state that funds specific programs and requires the applicants specifically mention a geographic priority. You'll notice the many reasons given, but that the foundation also welcomes future applications and discussion.

SAMPLE 1

Dear ABC Organization,

Thank you for your recent application to the XYZ Foundation. The decision-making process was a difficult one, with many worthwhile organizations vying for a limited amount of grant dollars.

Unfortunately, your organization was not selected for funding at this time. It is our hope that you will be able to obtain financial support from other sources. We wish you success in your efforts.

Sincerely,

XYZ Foundation Executive Director

SAMPLE 2

Dear ABC Organization,

Thank you for your most recent request for financial assistance. Unfortunately, we are unable to entertain your grant for this fiscal year.

In some cases, we do not approve a grant because the request does not specifically confine itself to [our program interests]. In others, it is because the request concerns salaries, professional fees, general operating expenses or building programs. Sometimes, we are unable to approve a request due to incomplete documentation. Unfortunately, in some cases, there simply are not sufficient assets from which to fund all worthy requests.

We invite you to submit a new request for assistance to us in the future. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly should you need further assistance with this matter.

Respectfully,

XYZ Foundation Board Chair

~Cheers!