Detail and Impact – I think these are the two areas where most grant applications I see can be improved.

Detail is so important in demonstrating that you have a firm understanding of the community you are working in, and that you can collect data effectively. It is far better for groups to give an exact number of people supported than to say “over 200”; this shows that they keep good records and have systems in place to track this information. Detail can also make an application more personal – identify specific groups you work with, rather than just “other community groups”, and give specific examples of how people have been helped. Try not to generalise.

When talking about the activities you will deliver, detail is again key – when and where they will take place, what will happen, and who will lead them. With more groups now using AI, this level of detail helps set an application apart. Many AI-generated applications are generic and vague, and fail to create a sense of connection.

Describing the impact is equally important. Many groups are good at talking about the number of people attending activities or receiving support, but then lack information on the difference this makes. Funders are giving money to create change in people’s lives, not simply to deliver a service. It is therefore vital to be able to describe this change clearly.

Creating a monitoring framework is a really valuable exercise. It does not need to be complex, but it helps show how your work links back to your main aims and sets out clear indicators to measure progress. This data, alongside direct feedback and case studies, will greatly strengthen how you demonstrate impact.