Open with a strong sentence. Use short paragraphs. Discuss your proposal as if it is funded, but be clear about the distinction between current and proposed Don't use hopeful' statements. Stick to the facts and your most accurate projections of results. Be thorough but concise.
Reviewers recognize rhetoric.
If you do use abbreviations and technical terms, be sure to explain them. Proposal was poorly written or ignored guidelines. Project was outside of grant guidelines, priorities and interests. Narrative did not fully describe the project. Inadequate knowledge of other programs in the state that are the same or relate to the proposed project.