When foundations have specialized grant applications and reports it imposes a big administrative burden on nonprofits. A nonprofit that receives grants from 20 or 30 foundations—and some get funding from many more—spends its resources in two major ways: First, it applies for funding from 40, 50 or 60 different foundations, each requiring a different application, documentation, and budget format. Then, it prepares grant reports for 20 or 30 foundations, each using different questions, reports, and timelines.
What the Law Says
When making grants to most domestic public charities, the law requires you to do very little. In fact, most require no paperwork, process, nor post-grant reporting. A lot of foundations don’t use the information they request. So, figure out what is vital for your foundation to make a grant decision, and request only that information. Consider using an anonymous survey—like our Grantee and Applicant Perception Survey—to see what your grantees recommend. This is a great way to demonstrate that your foundation wants to be sensitive of their time.
How To Simplify & Streamline Grant Applications & Reports
A nonprofit’s hours applying for and reporting on grants can add up to thousands of dollars annually. This lessens the net grant, or the total amount of the grant, minus the cost of the time and labor a nonprofit spends to apply. Here are Project Streamline recommendations for simplifying and streamlining grant applications and reports:
Right-Size Applications & Reports for Small Grants
Create a shorter application for small grants (typically under $10,000). Some funders use a one-page application and waive reporting or require just a few short paragraphs.
Right-Size Requirements for Repeat Grantees & Organizations You Know Well
File their materials for easy reference and ask for updates only. Consider combining their reporting and renewal into one step or have regular conversations to learn about the grant’s impact.
Waive Some Requirements for Small, New & Grassroots Organizations
These groups have neither the staff nor systems to prepare detailed applications, reports, and financials.
Create a Simple Prescreening Process
Set up a letter of inquiry process (via your website, a short paper form, or phone call) to keep grantseekers from wasting time. Only invite full proposals from those grantseekers that fit your guidelines.
Make Your Application Easier
Reduce the number of questions and allow grantseekers to apply electronically. Let applicants link to their mission statements, reports, programs, and so on.
Accept Financials in an Original Format
Reformatting financials for different funders is expensive and strenuous, increasing the likelihood of mistakes. Pull the grantseeker’s Form 990 yourself through GuideStar.
Eliminate Quarterly & Twice-Yearly Grant Reporting
Except for high-risk grantees, an annual or end-grant report should meet your needs.
Align Grant Schedules with the Grantee’s Timing—Not Yours
If a project begins before grant approval, clarify that the grant is not a commitment until formally approved.
Make Your Streamlined Requirements Clear
Detail what you require and when. Set clear limits for word or page count.
Give General Operating Grants with Simplified Applications & Reports
General operating support is hard to get. By offering it, you’ll help grantees solve their toughest fundraising challenge.
good comments and reminders
A periodic review of our grant requirements with an eye toward streamlining/right-sizing has value. Getting feedback from grantees is very helpful and the degree of candor I get gives me a sense of the quality of relationships I have with grantees.