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Rejection & Resubmission

Turned down? Work out what to change before applying again.

I review your previous application, the decision and any funder feedback. I identify gaps in the bid, explain what is worth keeping and recommend changes before you apply again.

Fixed quoteThe scope depends on the previous bid, feedback and whether the next route is already known.
Matt Simmonds, arts fundraiser and bid writer
your bid writer

Personally handled by Matt.

Working artist and fundraiser.
Co-director of an ACE-funded theatre company.

Meet your bid writer

This is for you when

  • You have a previous application and decision.
  • You want to understand the weak links before resubmitting.
  • You are open to changing the project or route where needed.
  • There is enough time to rebuild rather than only reword.

What I’ll work from

Start with a short enquiry. I’ll ask for any documents afterwards; you do not need everything ready to get in touch.

  • Previous application
  • Decision and funder feedback
  • Any changes since the first submission
  • Likely next deadline or route

You receive

  • Decision and feedback analysis
  • An explanation of the gaps in the previous bid
  • What to keep
  • What must change
  • Resubmission route and timing
  • A plan for your next application, or a revised draft if you ask me to write it

I distinguish the funder’s stated feedback from my own assessment. Without feedback, I cannot know the exact reason for a rejection. We agree whether you need advice on the next application or help writing it before you pay. Neither can guarantee a different funding decision.

How I work

Diagnosis before rewriting

The useful question is not only how to polish the old text. It is what the funder still could not understand, believe or assess.

Writing examples

See redacted bid extracts.

Inspect original application extracts from different arts projects.

Before you send the brief

Practical questions, answered.

Is the displayed price the final price?

It is the current fixed or starting price. Matt checks the fund, deadline, readiness and scope, then confirms the complete fixed quote before any work starts. No success fees.

What do I need to send first?

Name the fund and say whether you received feedback. I’ll ask for the previous application after we have discussed the scope.

What happens after I enquire?

I’ll read your enquiry and reply by email. We agree what you will receive, the delivery date and the fixed price before you decide to go ahead. There is no payment or document upload on this form.

Can you help before my deadline?

Include your deadline in the enquiry, even if it is close. I’ll confirm whether I can help and agree a delivery date before you pay. Sending an enquiry does not reserve a slot.

Who makes the final decisions and submits?

You check every fact, figure, partner, cost and commitment. You keep the final say and submit through the funder's official portal.

What if the funder restricts outside writing?

Matt checks the current assistance rules before accepting writing work. Where the applicant must remain the author, he will offer a permitted planning, direction or feedback route instead.

Can this guarantee funding?

No. Neither software nor a bid writer controls the funder's decision. The service improves clarity, fit and completeness without promising an outcome.

A personal reply

Let’s talk about
rejection & resubmission.

I’ll read your enquiry and reply by email. We agree what you will receive, the delivery date and the fixed price before you decide to go ahead.

No commitment until you agree the quote. You keep the final say.

Quick enquiry

Tell me about the application that was turned down

Name the fund and say whether you received feedback. I’ll ask for the previous application after we have discussed the scope.

Fields marked are required.

Tell me the fund, any feedback and what you want help with next. You do not need to paste the application here.

This is an enquiry, not a booking or payment. Matt will confirm the scope, timing and price before you commit.

Your details are used only to assess and reply to this enquiry. Please do not include sensitive personal information.

Form not working? Email matt@artsfunded.com directly.

Need a review of a current draft?

Application Review gives you a prioritised written fix list from £95.

See Application Review

Other ways I can help

At a different stage?

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