How to Avoid Bad-Mouthing Other Organizations in Your Grant Proposal

When writing a grant proposal, it’s crucial to position your organization in the best light without criticizing or bad-mouthing other nonprofits. Funders want to see collaboration and professionalism—not competition or negativity. So, how do you highlight your strengths without tearing others down? In this post, I’ll walk you through three strategies to ensure you maintain a positive and professional tone in your grant application.

1. Focus on Your Unique Value

Rather than comparing yourself to other organizations, focus on what makes your work unique. Talk about the specific strengths your organization brings to the table—whether it’s a unique approach, specialized expertise, or a proven track record. This way, you’re highlighting why funders should choose you without needing to criticize anyone else.

2. Emphasize Collaboration

One of the best ways to avoid negativity is to emphasize collaboration. If you have partnerships with other organizations, highlight them. Show funders how you work together with other nonprofits to achieve a shared goal. This not only positions you as a team player but also strengthens your proposal by demonstrating a broader impact.

3. Maintain a Positive and Professional Tone

Throughout your proposal, keep the tone positive and professional. Funders are looking for organizations that can articulate their mission and impact confidently, without resorting to negativity. A positive tone shows that your focus is on the work, not on tearing others down, and it helps build trust with funders.

In grant writing, maintaining professionalism and avoiding bad-mouthing other organizations is essential. By focusing on your unique value, highlighting collaboration, and staying positive, you’ll create a strong and compelling proposal. Be sure to download my free resource below for additional tips on how to position your organization professionally without negativity.