The Reviewer’s Desk: Inside the Mind of an EU Grant Evaluator

You’ve polished your proposal, hit every word limit, and triple-checked your formatting. But have you ever wondered what happens once your application lands on a reviewer’s desk?

Understanding how evaluators think can be the difference between a borderline rejection and a funded success. At ENFA, we’ve interviewed former evaluators and compiled insights from across EU, Nordic, and EEA funding programs to give you a rare peek behind the curtain.

1. They Start with the Executive Summary (And So Should You)

Before diving deep, evaluators scan the executive summary. If it’s dense, vague, or lacks a clear problem/solution, they enter the rest of your proposal with skepticism.

Tip: Your summary should tell a compelling story in under 300 words: What’s the problem? Why now? Who benefits?

2. They Check for ‘Call Fit’ Early On

Reviewers often evaluate dozens of proposals per call. If yours doesn’t clearly align with the objectives of the funding program, it’s mentally filed as a weak fit—even if the rest is solid.

Tip: Mirror the language of the call document. Use exact terms from the objectives section and tie them directly to your outcomes.

3. Clarity and Structure Score Big Points

Reviewers appreciate clarity. Complex formatting, inconsistent headings, and buried arguments cause fatigue. Clear, logically structured proposals often score higher—not because they’re better ideas, but because they’re easier to evaluate.

Tip: Use formatting as a tool—bullet points, white space, bolded outcomes. Make their job easier.

4. Impact Sections Are Deal Makers (or Breakers)

No matter how exciting your solution is, if you can’t show credible, measurable impact, your score tanks. Reviewers want to know who benefits and how much.

Tip: Use outcome indicators, beneficiary estimates, and concrete social/environmental metrics—not vague aspirations.

5. They Look for Red Flags in the Budget

If the budget doesn’t match the activities, is overly simplistic, or lacks co-financing clarity, reviewers take note. A sloppy or padded budget undermines the credibility of your entire proposal.

Tip: Include a short budget justification and link every major expense to your work plan.

6. Consistency is King

Evaluators cross-reference. If your objectives say one thing, but your timeline or KPIs say another, it signals disorganization. Consistency across sections builds trust.

Tip: Re-read your proposal holistically. Every part should reinforce the same vision.

7. Reviewers Are Human

They get tired. They appreciate well-written, concise proposals that respect their time. Emotional intelligence, compelling storytelling, and clarity often sway borderline decisions.

Tip: Write for a smart, time-poor reader. Make it easy for them to say yes.

You’re Writing For the Reviewer

The best proposals aren’t just technically sound—they’re empathetically crafted. Reviewers want to fund projects. Your job is to make them confident that yours is the one worth backing.

Need Help Getting Reviewer-Ready?

At ENFA, we don’t just teach theory—we coach real organizations to win real funding. From one-on-one proposal reviews to evaluator-informed strategy workshops, our membership helps Nordic-based nonprofits, researchers, and innovators write proposals that get funded.

👉 Join ENFA today and access tools, trainings, and experts who’ve sat in the reviewer’s seat.