Writing a Horizon Europe proposal can be daunting. The competition for grants is fierce, and with applications typically around 45 pages long, applicants must invest significant time and resources to deliver a high-quality proposal. Here, we provide expert advice to help you avoid common mistakes made in EU funding applications.
1. Not reading the guidelines
This may seem obvious, but your proposal must fit the competition scope AND the work programme destination (if applicable). If the evaluators determine the project is out of scope, it will be ineligible and may not be assessed. Therefore, you should always read the guidelines thoroughly before starting an application to avoid wasting time and effort on something that isn’t a good fit.
If you are in any doubt, it is worth checking with your National Contact Point (NCP). You can find details of your NCP via the Funding and Tenders Portal.
Tip: Refer to the expected impacts of the work programme and the destination in your proposal to demonstrate to the evaluators that it is a good fit.
2. Lack of preparation
Preparation is a key part of writing successful grant applications. Horizon Europe applications are typically around 45 pages, so you must give yourself plenty of time to write the proposal. If you don’t have enough time to develop a competitive application, consider sitting this grant out and waiting for the next opportunity.
Tip: Start much earlier than you think you need to! We recommend allocating at least 3 months, from start to finish. This timeline may be condensed if you allocate dedicated staff to write the proposal or outsource to a professional bid-writing agency.
3. The objectives of the proposal aren’t clear
A common mistake in proposal writing is including overambitious or vague objectives. To avoid the evaluators being unclear or unconvinced by your proposal, it is vital that you clearly detail the project’s goals. They should demonstrate that the proposed work is ambitious and advances beyond the state of the art.
Tip: Set SMART objectives (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely) and present them in a table to aid readability.
4. Problems with the team
For most calls for proposals, you will be expected to apply as a team of at least three partner organizations from different countries. You mustn’t apply with your friends because you already know them; instead, focus on forming a well-balanced group with the skills and expertise needed to deliver a collaborative project.
Some calls allow individual organisations to apply for funding (e.g., the EIC Accelerator or Coordination and Support Actions). Where this is the case, ask yourself the following questions: i) Do you have the in-house skills to achieve what you are setting out to do? and ii) based on your track record, are you able to convince the evaluators that you can deliver the project?
If you answered no to one or both questions, you may want to consider partnering with a partner whose skill set and experience complement your own. This won’t go against you – in fact, it will strengthen your application!
Tip: Ensure a strong fit between the project objectives and participants’ expertise.
5. Problems with the budget
Budgets are a vital part of any grant proposal. However, problems can arise if the budget is too small or too large, e.g., if it exceeds limits or is not enough to fund the number of partners involved in the project. All partners must be aware of the grant ceiling so they can develop work plans aligned with the available funds.
Tip: Ensure your budget offers value for money, as evaluators will be able to assess whether it is reasonable for your project.
6. The proposal is complex to read
The evaluators will have numerous applications to assess simultaneously, so make yours as easy to read as possible. For the layout, use subheadings and bullet points to make your proposal easy to follow. It is also essential to ensure the evaluators can understand your project, for example, by avoiding jargon and introducing all acronyms at their first use. Lastly, don’t forget to set time aside after drafting your proposal to proofread your answers. This is your final opportunity to identify and correct errors before submitting your proposal.
Tip: Keep it simple! A good proposal is easy to read and follow. You should also make use of infographics and images to make your proposal stand out from the competition.
7. Not making the most of Part A
Although Part A isn’t scored, you mustn’t overlook this section of the proposal. You should take the time to craft a compelling abstract that provides the reader with a clear understanding of the objectives of the proposal, how they will be achieved, and their relevance to the work program. This is typically the first thing that evaluators read, so it is your chance to make a good first impression.
Tip: Make sure to allocate specific keywords in the proposal template. These will help the European Commission to select appropriate expert evaluators whose expertise best matches your proposal.
Finally, what makes a good Horizon Europe proposal?
- The project addresses the funder’s essential requirements in the call for proposals and builds on previous work.
- The idea is ambitious and goes beyond the state of the art.
- There is a strong fit between the project objectives and participants’ expertise.
- The resources requested are adequately justified in the proposal.
- There is a clear plan for implementation and project management.
- The proposal details contingency plans in case things go wrong.
- The proposal outlines a strong communication and dissemination plan to maximise the project’s impact.
