Personal contact is an important, often essential, part of the process. It can be a tie-breaker. Be prepared in the initial proposals for rejections. If you get a rejection letter, contact the foundation to ask how the proposal could be improved to gain acceptance. Often it may be a question of correcting only one aspect and resubmitting it.
Most applicants receive a rejection the first time they apply to a foundation.
More applicants win the second time than the first. Be responsive to the program officer's comments. Even if you win the grant, the program officer may want you to make some changes. Unless you feel suggested changes would seriously harm the project's chances for success, accept the program officer's recommendations. Summary Tips Be realistic and objective about your chances of winning support.