In a previous blog, I discussed a unique method of organizational assessment for non-profits, and government services via automation. Now, using those metrics, an organization can secure grant funding critical to the survival of nonprofits. Since competition for grants is intense, separating oneself from the pack comes in the way of presenting data results strategically.

Define data using the SMART method!

Grant writers can show their organization’s ambition through data collected. Because grant reviewers seek credibility, there are a couple of ways that data can be presented. SMART—an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound—is one strong method. For example, using SMART, a metric can be written as, “Over 12 months, we will increase literacy rates among 200 at-risk youth by 20% through a structured tutoring program.” The clarity streams throughout.

Another approach is to distill metrics to comparisons. For example, “Those who used the foreclosure prevention program were 60% more likely to retain possession of their house than the other foreclosure cases in the county.” Both methods are strong and rely on program data to illustrate success!

Creating a story of success

There are different ways to bring data into the grant. Contextualizing the numbers is important to understand community impact. For example, “The foreclosure prevention program stabilized communities in the target area. One family from the program intimated, ‘keeping the house, and keeping the family together were one and the same for us.’” While quantitative data (numbers, percentages, and the like) are necessary to a grant, qualitative pieces such as testimonials, client feedback, or case-studies help create a narrative that readers can follow.

Writing for the grant

If you are considering applying to open RFP’s (request for proposals) or RFQ’s (request for quotes), review the funder’s mission and vision, as well as their previous funding decisions. Ensure that the metrics you use align with what the funders are seeking. There are different ways to show impact. For example, one funder may want to focus on program enrollment numbers, while another funder seeks only the program success population and their outcomes.