developing a grant-making strategy

Identify the purpose and goals of the grant-making strategy

Determine the available resources, budget, and timeframe

Establish a clear understanding of the organization's mission and values

Conduct a needs assessment to identify areas of focus

Identify potential target areas or issues for grant-making

Conduct research on relevant organizations, projects, or causes

Review past grant-making activities and evaluate their effectiveness

Analyze the current grant-making landscape and identify gaps or opportunities

Define specific and measurable goals for the grant-making strategy

Prioritize the identified target areas based on their alignment with the organization's mission and goals

Consider the potential impact and feasibility of each target area

Determine the desired outcomes and impact the grants should achieve

Identify and engage with key stakeholders such as community members, nonprofits, government agencies, and experts

Seek input and gather feedback through surveys, focus groups, or interviews

Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure inclusivity and diversity in the grant-making process

Build partnerships with other funders or organizations for joint grant-making initiatives

Develop clear and transparent guidelines for grant applications

Define eligibility criteria and requirements for applicants

Establish evaluation criteria to assess the potential impact of proposed projects

Determine the grant size, duration, and any specific restrictions or conditions

Create an application form and make it easily accessible to potential applicants

Develop a clear timeline for the application and selection process

Design a review process that includes multiple reviewers or a selection committee

Ensure fairness, objectivity, and consistency in the evaluation of applications

Establish a system for tracking and monitoring grant progress and outcomes

Define evaluation metrics to assess the effectiveness of funded projects

Regularly communicate with grantees and provide support or guidance as needed

Review and revise the grant-making strategy based on the learnings and outcomes

Define reporting requirements for grantees to provide updates on their progress

Establish a system for collecting and analyzing grantee reports

Develop a communication plan to share the impact and success stories of funded projects

Regularly communicate with stakeholders, donors, and the public about the grant-making strategy and its outcomes.