The Inevitability of Rising Expectations

There is another hidden cost of visiting a site: it inevitably sends the expectations of the applicant soaring. The grantseeker's reasoning goes something like this: “The foundation wouldn't take the trouble, or go to the expense, of making a visit unless it had already decided to fund this project. No matter what our program officer says, the grant is ‘in the bag.’” Once such a belief settles in, it is well-nigh impossible to dislodge it. This assumption alone is a very good reason to avoid frivolous visits, for they raise expectations that may well be dashed later. Even a few of the serious prospects you visit will ultimately have to be declined. There is no reason to put anyone through this kind of ...

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