Detail and Impact- I think these are the two ways 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 much better than groups can give exact number of people supported than ‘over 200’; it shows they keep good record and have systems to track this. Detail also can make the application more personal – identify specific groups you work with, not just ‘other community groups’, give specific experiences of how people have been helped, and try not to generalise. When talking about activities you will deliver; again, detail is key – when, where and what will you do, who will lead them. With more groups using AI, this will help set your application apart – so many applications I see written using AI are generic and vague and don’t elicit a sense of connection

Describing the impact is also key. Many groups are great at talking about the number of people attending activities or receiving support but then lack information on the difference this is making. Funders are giving money to make a difference to people, not just to deliver a service. It is therefore important to be able to describe this difference and show how you are improving people’s lives. Creating a monitoring framework is a really valuable exercise. It need not be complex, but will help show how all your work links back to your main aims and help set out clear indicators that measure this.  This data alongside direct feedback and case studies will improve how you can demonstrate impact.