How Are Grant Applications Assessed? An Inside Perspective
Have you ever wondered how grant applications are assessed? For many grant seekers, the criteria and review process remain a mystery, often shrouded in uncertainty and speculation. This can make it a real challenge to craft a proposal that meets the precise expectations of funding organizations. GrantWatch has the inside scoop on what funders look for in well-written, correctly assembled grant applications. Securing funding through grants is often a game-changer for businesses and organizations. However, successfully navigating the application process involves much more than just filling out forms. It requires a keen understanding of what happens behind the scenes once your application is submitted.
The team at GrantNews cares deeply about our commitment to bringing our readers up-to-date information about grant funding and the application process. To that end, here’s a detailed look at how grant applications are evaluated, offering you an inside peek into the decision-making process and what makes a grant proposal stand out from the crowd.
Submission and Initial Review
The journey begins with submitting a Request for Proposal (RFP) or an application form tailored to the grant’s specifications. These documents are crucial as they outline your organization’s mission, proposed programs, and financial needs. Following submission, a peer review panel or board meticulously reviews each application against predetermined criteria. The question is: What is that predetermined criteria? The simple answer is that it changes with every funder. However, there are normative goals to hit to produce a successful application.
Evaluation Criteria
Imagine your application being assessed on the grant giver’s priorities or main criteria, each assigned a maximum score to gauge its strength. Let’s look at an example. Note that each of the following sections have different numerical values and you’ll need to pay attention to detail to get full points. Points and percentages will vary with each section.
Artistic Excellence and Artistic Merit (0 to 40 points):
- ☐ Vision Alignment: How well does your artistic vision align with your organization’s mission?
- ☐ Quality of Programming: What is the caliber of the artistic programming and services you offer?
- ☐ Leadership Quality: Assessing the strength of your artistic leadership and staff.
- ☐ Inclusivity: Engagement with historically underserved communities in artistic roles.
Organizational Capacity (0 to 35 points):
- ☐ Staff and Board: Qualifications and effectiveness in supporting your mission.
- ☐ Planning and Evaluation: Ability to strategize, execute, and measure progress.
- ☐ Inclusivity Policies: Evidence of inclusive practices and policies.
- ☐ Financial Management: Evidence of effective financial management and health.
Community Impact (0 to 25 points):
- ☐ Reach and Impact: Extent of influence on the broader community.
- ☐ Engagement of Underserved Communities: Efforts to include historically marginalized groups.
- ☐ Educational Outreach: Quality of activities that further your mission through education.
Decision Making and Funding Allocation
It’s important to note that available grant funds are limited, and not every application can be funded. Grantmakers carefully consider each application’s merit and align their funding decisions with organizational goals and community needs. Overshooting your financial request might negatively impact your chances, so requesting the minimum necessary is often advisable.
Valuable Insights for Free
On several episodes of GrantTalk, hosted by GrantWatch CEO Libby Hikind, special guests have included grant makers who offer valuable insights to those interested in the grant review process. One notable guest is Robyn Takayama, grants manager for the Community Challenge Grants, who discussed secrets to successful grant writing and the importance of the scoring criteria. Watch the episode below:
The Bottom Line
The grant application process is about more than paperwork; it’s a strategic endeavor to showcase your organization’s impact and potential. If you understand how applications are evaluated, you can better tailor your approach and increase your chances of securing vital funding for your artistic endeavors. This is why it is important to tailor your grant application to the funder and not submit a generic proposal (even if you may be able to re-use many parts).
About GrantWatch
With close to 8,000 grants currently available, GrantWatch.com is the leading grant listing directory. Upgrade to a MemberPlus+ subscription to view the full grant details, including eligibility criteria and application information. For more information, you can also visit the GrantWatch FAQ page. To see the great value of all 20 of the top GrantWatch features, click here. To conclude, see the latest episode of GrantTalk, powered by GrantWatch, with host Libby Hikind. You don’t want to miss this. Visit us on YouTube weekly. Don’t forget to get your copy of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, by Libby Hikind.
Please Note: There is no guarantee of grant awards as a result of this information.
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