Marianne Jordan
Marianne Jordan is a grants writing expert and serves as a Senior Managing Director of Grants, and as the Foundation Relations Practice Leader for higher education clients at McAllister & Quinn. In this role, she helps clients develop a comprehensive strategy for grant-seeking and faculty development.
Mallory Findlay
Mallory Findlay serves as a Managing Director of Grants and Federal Affairs in the Higher Education Practice at McAllister & Quinn. Leveraging more than ten years of professional experience in higher education, she works closely with college and university clients to identify and apply for Federal and foundation grants that align with their priorities and goals.
It’s More Than Just Telling Your Story
A foundation grant proposal is more than just telling your organization’s story—it’s about framing that story in a way that directly aligns with the funder’s mission and priorities. Too often, strong ideas are overlooked simply because the application doesn’t connect clearly to what the foundation values most.
Marianne Jordan, Senior Managing Director of Grants and Federal Affairs at McAllister & Quinn, has helped colleges and universities secure millions of dollars in federal and foundation funding. Here, she shares the top five mistakes applicants make—and how to avoid them.
Top 5 Mistakes That Could Be Holding Back Your Proposal
1. Not Following the Guidelines
Every foundation has its own specific requirements—deadlines, formats, attachments, and word counts. Overlooking even one of these can put your proposal at risk before it’s fully reviewed. Always read the guidelines carefully, follow them exactly, and, if something is unclear, reach out to the foundation for clarification, if allowed.
2.Writing from Your Perspective Instead of the Funder’s
While it’s natural to focus on your organization’s story, funders want to see how your work advances their mission. Before writing, study the foundation’s priorities, recent grants, and mission statement. Then, frame your narrative so it highlights the overlap between their goals and your work.
3. Overemphasizing the Problem Instead of the Solution
Establishing the need for your project is important, but it shouldn’t dominate the proposal. Use a concise, compelling statement of the problem—then devote most of your space to explaining your solution, how it will work, and the outcomes you expect. Funders are looking for well-thought-out plans that can deliver measurable impact.
4. Forgetting the Reviewer’s Time Constraints
Grant reviewers may read hundreds of proposals in a short period. Dense, text-heavy narratives can be difficult to process and easy to set aside. Make your proposal skimmable by using clear headings, bullet points or numbered lists, short paragraphs, and plain language.
5. Focusing too much on Accolades
It’s important to demonstrate credibility, but an exhaustive list of accomplishments can come across as self-congratulatory. Instead, highlight only those achievements that directly relate to the project you’re proposing and that reinforce your organization’s ability to deliver on the plan.
Avoiding these five pitfalls won’t guarantee funding—but it will make your proposal stronger, more aligned with the funder’s priorities, and easier for reviewers to support.
About McAllister & Quinn
McAllister & Quinn is an established consulting firm based in Washington DC specializing in strategic grant services, with a proven track record of helping organizations secure over $17 billion in funding. M&Q offers deep expertise and a personalized approach, guiding clients through every stage of the grant process, from identifying the right opportunities to crafting compelling, funder-aligned proposals. The Foundation Relations Practice is led by experienced professionals who understand what funders are looking for and how to position foundation grant proposals for success.
Foundation Funding Essentials Webinar Recording
Understanding Changes and Maximizing Engagement Strategies for Success
McAllister & Quinn’s foundation funding experts shared their engagement strategies, and what you should know about the current state of the foundation landscape. Click here to watch the recording!