Saying Yes/Saying No

Most grant makers review more proposals than they can recommend for funding. Decision making about what to fund is challenging and so is decision giving to hopeful applicants. How do you say Yes, or No, so that grant applicants understand your foundation's rationale, feel that they've been treated fairly, and can make realistic plans about their next steps? This guide offers observations and suggestions from grant makers and grantees to make this task easier and more meaningful.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Reviewing the basic rules
• Understanding grant seeker expectations
• Managing your role and the rationale for your decision

SAMPLE QUOTES

"I often feel uncomfortable about saying No to applicants. How do I know this proposal isn't going to work? Am I missing something? What if it really turns out to be a great project?"

— A grant maker, on the lingering doubts that accompany most of her rejections

"It takes an enormous amount of fortitude to say No directly. It is unreasonable to expect individual program officers to sustain the courage of the Lone Ranger. Part of the fortitude has to be provided by the president and the board."

— Michael Hooker, "Moral Values and Private Philanthropy," in Social Philosophy and Policy (Vol. 4, Issue 2)

"Grant seekers might hear the 'yes' and not the 'let's negotiate.' It's better to warn them early on where you think the limits are, saying 'I like this and I'm going to recommend it. We can negotiate the details later, but you should know right now that I won't be able to fund what you requested. Here's my limit.' Then they're not blindsided down the road."

— A foundation executive, on handling a Yes