I have no skin in the game. So just my opinions: It seems like you completed something and spent a whole lot of long months on it. Now you want to get compensated for a completed project. (Even though you mention this is only the first phase) they may think you will see the money as payment for what you already did. And you may slowly or not complete another phase. (Did it catch on? Are people begging for more of your project??) I think it is immensely challenging to be a developer hoping for funding. Once your product catches on and you keep adding cool add ons, I would keep reapplying to them again.. Or figure out some sort of pay model that works.. some value that people really want to give you money for because it is so cool, and sought after.