The best way to get a grant is to contact the grant maker directly, tailor your application to the grant you’re seeking, and not overpromise results or exaggerate your abilities. Those are some of the tips from the grant makers and consultants The Chronicle interviewed at this year’s annual meeting of the Council on Foundations in Philadelphia. Even organizations hand-picked to compete for a grant can fall victim to those mistakes, says one foundation staff member.

What common mistakes do you see on grant applications?