Which of the following factors is critical when tailoring a grant proposal to a specific funder?

Aligning the proposal with the funder's mission and goals is essential for several reasons. Funders often have specific objectives and priorities that guide their funding decisions. By demonstrating how the proposed project aligns with these goals, the grant writer shows that they have done their research and understand the funder's interests. This connection helps to position the proposal within the broader context of the funder's work, thereby increasing its relevance and appeal.

When a proposal aligns closely with the funder’s mission, it is more likely to resonate with the reviewers, leading to a greater chance of securing funding. Funders are looking for projects that fulfill their specific criteria, and making this alignment clear can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the application.

The other choices do not contribute positively to tailoring a proposal: using technical jargon might alienate reviewers who are unfamiliar with specialized terms, excessive detail can overwhelm or distract from the main points, and focusing solely on past successes may overlook the unique aspects of the current proposal that are relevant to the funder's current interests and goals.