Successful Grant Applications: The Most Important Do’s and Don’ts for Startups

The right funding can be a decisive lever for your startup – whether for product development, market entry, or growth. Yet, the path to funding is often more complicated than expected.

Errors in the application, missing information, or misunderstandings with the funding agency frequently lead to rejections. To help you avoid this, we’ve compiled the key Do’s and Don’ts when preparing grant applications.

✅ Do’s: What you should definitely do

1. Thorough research

Before you start, make sure you clearly understand:

• What is the objective of the funding?
• Which companies are targeted?
• Which criteria must be met?

➡️ The better your project matches the call, the higher your chances.

2. Define a clear objective

A successful application explains precisely:

• What do you want to achieve?
• How will you achieve it?
• Why is the project worthy of funding?

➡️ Funding agencies want to see how their money is used meaningfully. Be concrete, realistic, and convincing.

3. Contact the funding agency

If possible, arrange a personal or phone conversation with the agency:

• Clarify whether your project is generally eligible
• Get feedback on your application’s approach
• Avoid formal or content-related misunderstandings

➡️ Direct contact can be crucial to avoid obstacles early on.

4. Draft your application offline first

Many agencies still use outdated online portals. Write your application offline in Word (or your trusted AI funding tool 😉):

• Prevent losing text due to technical errors
• Collect internal feedback and revise easily
• Keep a version for later reuse

➡️ Only transfer the final version into the online form.

❌ Don’ts: Mistakes you should avoid

1. Providing false information

Only provide accurate and verifiable details. Agencies conduct random checks, and false statements can lead not only to funding withdrawal but also to legal consequences.

2. Ignoring the De-Minimis regulation

This EU regulation limits the amount of aid a company can receive without being considered “state aid relevant” (usually €300,000 within 3 years).

➡️ Ignoring this may result in repayment obligations or rejected applications.

3. Artificially adjusting your business model

Don’t fundamentally change your business model just to get funding. Your application should reflect your real concept – not one made up to meet requirements.

➡️ Stick to your actual business model and look for programs that truly fit – not the other way around.

Our conclusion

A successful grant application is no coincidence. It requires planning, honesty, and a clear concept. If you follow the Do’s and avoid common mistakes, your chances of approval rise significantly.