Add the reference, Reif-Lehrer, L. (2015). Why is the proposal alone not sufficient for grant success? Building research fundability through collaborative research networking. Accountability in Research, 22(5), 288-308. https://doi.org/10.1080/08989621.2015.1041832, to the statement: Hello Quentin, Great post! I agree with your motives for the reasons foundations award grants. To make suitable proposals, it is essential to comprehend the unique missions and alignments of these foundations (Carlson et al., 2017). As you pointed out, people, families, or businesses with a specific charitable goal can create private foundations. I appreciated that you explained the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's focus on long-term social impact and systemic change. When presenting proposals to these kinds of foundations, matching your organization's mission and proposed projects with the foundation's overall objectives and strategic priorities is necessary. What influence might developing connections with grantmakers have on the success rate of grant applications