Understanding Grant Applications from a Funder Perspective
Have you ever wondered how grant applications are developed? Maybe not, but if you’ve ever applied for a grant, it’s possible you’ve thought - why are they asking this question? Or at the very least, how should I be answering this question? Understanding the obligations driving a charitable foundation or funder's mission is key to writing exceptional funding applications.
Mission Alignment and Impact:
Charitable foundations are typically established with specific charitable purposes or missions. One of the primary obligations of a foundation is to ensure that the grants they provide align with their stated mission and charitable objectives. Grant seekers should articulate how their initiatives contribute to advancing the foundation's goals. Example questions may include:
"Please describe the anticipated outcomes of your project and how they align with our funding priorities."
Due Diligence and Risk Assessment:
Before awarding grants, foundations have an obligation to conduct due diligence on potential grantees to assess their credibility, capacity, and suitability for funding. Grant applicants should expect questions pertaining to organizational capacity and risk mitigation strategies. For example:
"Can you provide financial statements demonstrating your organization's fiscal health and stability?"
"How does your organization manage and mitigate potential risks associated with the proposed project?"
Transparency and Accountability:
Foundations prioritize transparency in their grantmaking processes. Grant seekers should be prepared to provide information on project outcomes and financial accountability measures. Example questions include:
"How do you plan to track and report on the progress and impact of the funded project?"
“How will your organization address any challenges or obstacles encountered during project implementation, and how will these be communicated transparently to the funder and other stakeholders?”
Evaluation and Learning:
Foundations have a fiduciary responsibility to steward their charitable assets prudently and responsibly. Foundations emphasize the importance of evaluating the impact and effectiveness of funded projects. Grant applicants should anticipate questions related to evaluation methodologies and learning frameworks. For instance:
"What metrics will you use to measure the success and impact of your project?"
"How do you plan to incorporate evaluation findings into future projects and organizational learning?"
Ethical Standards and Diversity:
Foundations prioritize ethical grantmaking practices and diversity considerations. Grant seekers should be prepared to address questions concerning integrity, fairness, and inclusivity. Example inquiries may include:
"How does your organization ensure diversity and inclusion in project planning and implementation?"
"Please describe your organization's approach to upholding ethical standards in all aspects of your work, including actions towards reconciliation."
Understanding the funder’s obligations can help you craft a better grant application. Make it easy for them to see the alignment between their purpose and your goals. Put yourself in their shoes, and use the application questions to demonstrate how your proposal is helping them fulfill their mission, laying the foundation for a collaborative relationship towards positive impact.