Funder Tips
Insider Tips: What Funders Look for in a Winning ProposalLearn from real success stories—organizations that have secured funding and the strategies that worked for them.
Grant funding is highly competitive, and funders receive hundreds, if not thousands, of proposals for each opportunity. So, what makes a proposal stand out?
To increase your chances of success, you must understand what funders prioritize and tailor your
application to meet their expectations. In this guide, we share exclusive insights from funding agencies
on what makes a winning grant proposal, from impact-driven storytelling to financial transparency.
What Funders Prioritize in Grant Proposals
1. Clear Alignment with Funder Priorities
Why It Matters: Funders have specific goals and focus areas, and they only support projects that align with their mission. Many proposals fail simply because they do not directly connect the project to the funder’s priorities.
How to Get It Right:
✅ Thoroughly research the funder’s mission and past grants to understand their focus areas.
✅ Clearly state how your project aligns with their objectives in the proposal introduction.
✅ Use the funder’s language—mirror their terminology to demonstrate a perfect fit.
Funders want to see that your project contributes to their impact goals. Make it easy for them to say YES!
2. A Well-Defined Problem Statement
Why It Matters: Funders invest in solutions to real, pressing issues. If your proposal lacks a strong
problem statement, they may not see the urgency or importance of your project.
How to Get It Right:
✅ Describe the problem with data and real-world evidence—show why funding is needed.
✅ Use statistics, case studies, or testimonials to support your claims.
✅ Explain why this problem is urgent and needs immediate intervention.
A funder must clearly see the need for your project before they can fund it!
3. Impact-Driven Storytelling
Why It Matters: Funders receive many fact-heavy, technical proposals—the ones that stand out tell a compelling story.
How to Get It Right:
✅ Show the human impact—use real-life examples of how your project changes lives.
✅ Describe the “before” and “after”—explain what will happen if your project is funded.
✅ Include testimonials or community voices to personalize the proposal.
Data is important, but funders connect with stories. Make your proposal memorable!
4. Measurable Outcomes & Success Indicators
Why It Matters: Funders want to know exactly what impact their money will create. If you don’t provide clear, measurable results, your proposal may be overlooked.
How to Get It Right:
✅ Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound).
✅ List key performance indicators (KPIs)—e.g., “Train 500 women in entrepreneurship within
12 months.”
✅ Explain how results will be tracked—monitoring and evaluation are crucial.
Funders want proof that their money will make a difference—be specific about outcomes!
5. A Realistic, Well-Justified Budget
Why It Matters: Funders carefully review budgets to ensure requested amounts align with project needs. If your budget seems inflated or unrealistic, it raises red flags.
How to Get It Right:
✅ Provide a detailed, line-by-line budget with clear explanations for each cost.
✅ Ensure the budget aligns with the activities outlined in the proposal.
✅ Include a plan for financial sustainability beyond the grant period.
A strong budget demonstrates financial responsibility and builds funder trust!
5. A Realistic, Well-Justified Budget
Why It Matters: Funders prefer projects that will continue making an impact beyond the grant period.
If your project seems short-term with no plan for sustainability, it’s a red flag.
How to Get It Right:
✅ Explain how the project will sustain itself after the grant funding ends.
✅ Highlight partnerships, future funding sources, or revenue models that support longevity.
✅ Show how the project can be scaled or replicated to maximize impact.
A strong budget demonstrates financial responsibility and builds funder trust!
Final Tips for a Winning Grant Proposal
✅ Research the funder and align your project with their priorities.
✅ Tell a compelling story backed by data and real-world evidence.
✅ Outline clear, measurable outcomes and success indicators.
✅ Ensure your budget is detailed, realistic, and justified.
✅ Prove that your project is sustainable and can create long-term impact.
