Common CIF rejection reasons in the May 2026 outcomes
The May 2026 CIF outcomes funded 28% of bids. The 72% that failed cluster around four recurring patterns: ineligibility at the gate, thin evidence pack, multi-element packaging, and missing or under-evidenced contribution.
On this page
Most common rejection reasons in May 2026?
Eligibility-gate vs scoring-fail breakdown?
Which evidence gaps recur?
Which contribution-rule mistakes recur?
How to read your feedback letter?
Eligibility-gate failures: trust legal status, grade A or B element, project value above the £4M cap (especially including contingency and VAT), and contribution rule mis-banded.
Scoring failures: thin condition surveys, photographic evidence that does not show defect-scale-context, multi-element packaging that dilutes need, and value-for-money sections that omit a Green Book-style appraisal.