Conclusion
If ever in the grantmaking enterprise there is a place where there is plenty of blame to go around, it would have to be in the matter of declining proposals. No one (except a confirmed sadist) enjoys inflicting pain, and many grantmakers therefore tend to be guilty of not saying no quickly enough, clearly enough, or openly enough. No one (except a confirmed masochist) enjoys receiving pain, so a few grantseekers tend to be guilty of defensiveness, ill humor, and even mendacity in response to disappointing news. Unfortunately, these unpleasant reactions tend to encourage grantmakers to become more dilatory, more opaque, and more distant when saying no.
It is doubtful that this subject could ever be made pleasant, but it could be made ...
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