Reporting to Funders
When an organisation receives a grant, the funder will normally ask for information at the end of the funded project. Some provide a form to be completed while others ask for a written report. Effective grant reporting is an important part of building a relationship between charities and funders and an opportunity to showcase an organisation’s achievements.
When writing an evaluation report from scratch, there are some important points to bear in mind:
- Begin by providing an overview of the project’s progress, highlighting key targets reached, and including challenges faced too. How close has the organisation come to achieving its projected outcomes?
- What has been the impact of the project? Use measurable data such as numbers participating and improvements observed to demonstrate the project’s effectiveness in achieving its intended goals.
- Provide a breakdown of how the grant was spent, detailing expenses related to personnel, training, materials, and any other relevant categories. Offer a clear comparison between projected budget and actual expenditure.
- Including personal testimonials adds a human touch to reporting and highlights the impact an organisation’s activities has on individuals and communities. Photos and videos are helpful inclusions.
- Don’t shy away from including challenges or difficulties encountered. Detail how the organisation overcame obstacles and showed resilience and ingenuity. Being upfront about dealing with difficulties demonstrates an ability to learn and a commitment to accountability.
- It’s good to address future sustainability by outlining planned strategies or initiatives that will help ensure the ongoing success of the project.
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