What Grantmakers Want to See
What Grantmakers Want to See
By Sahara Bryant, Grant Writer
What Grantmakers Want to See
By Sahara Bryant, Grant Writer
Grantmakers (a.k.a. funders) have specific criteria when considering grant applications. While each grantmaker may have its own unique focus and requirements, there are several common factors that grantmakers often look for:
Alignment with their mission: Grantmakers typically have a specific mission or goals they aim to achieve through their funding. They seek projects or organizations that align closely with their mission and demonstrate a clear connection to their stated objectives.
Impact and outcomes: Grantmakers are interested in supporting projects with a measurable and positive impact. They look for proposals that clearly outline the expected outcomes, demonstrate a realistic and achievable plan, and provide a clear framework for evaluating the project's success.
Innovation and novelty: Some funders are interested in funding innovative and groundbreaking ideas or approaches. They seek projects that propose new solutions to existing problems or introduce creative approaches to address social, environmental, or scientific challenges.
Capacity and expertise: Grantmakers want to ensure that the organizations they fund have the necessary capacity and expertise to effectively implement the proposed project. They look for evidence of organizational strength, experienced leadership, a track record of success, and the ability to manage resources efficiently.
Sustainability and scalability: Does your nonprofit have a sustainability strategy? Grantmakers are often interested in projects that have long-term sustainability beyond the grant period. Looking for significant markers like diversified funding sources, partnerships, or long-term impact measurements. Additionally, they may prioritize projects that have the potential to scale up and reach a broader audience or have a larger influence.
Collaboration and partnerships: Funders value collaboration and partnerships between organizations or sectors. Proposals demonstrating partnerships with other relevant stakeholders, such as community organizations, government agencies, or academic institutions, are often viewed favorably.
Strong communication and transparency: Grantmakers appreciate clear and concise proposals that communicate the project's goals, strategies, and expected outcomes. They value transparency and expect applicants to provide comprehensive information about their organization, finances, and governance.
Budget and financial sustainability: Your organization must be able to demonstrate its financial management skills. Grantmakers review budgets to ensure the requested funding is reasonable and well-aligned with the proposed activities. They want to see that organizations have solid financial plans and can effectively manage funds.
It's important to note that while these factors provide general guidance, each grantmaker prioritizes different aspects and has specific guidelines outlined in their application process. Invest time and effort into crafting a strong mission statement, strategic plans, sustainability strategies, setting goals, and creating comprehensive budgets to maximize the chances of success in grant applications. And remember, it is crucial to thoroughly research and understand each grantmaker's specific requirements and priorities before applying.