> This is the Markdown of a Backed Help Centre page, https://admin.backed.giving/help/news/2026/2026-11-05-defer-a-funding-decision.md. Every page is listed at https://admin.backed.giving/help/llms.txt.

## What's new

- **`Defer` is a third `Outcome`.** Choose it in the first step of a
  [funding decision](/administrator/decisions/funding-decisions). A `Defer` decision skips
  `Notification Details` and `Select a Letter Template`, because it sends no letter and notifies
  nobody.
- **`Record Deferral`.** On the `Send` step, record the deferral with an optional reason for your
  team. Applicants never see the reason. Each application stays `Submitted`, and the step shows it
  `Deferred` with who recorded it and when.
- **Decide it later.** A deferred application can be ticked in a later decision that approves or
  declines it.