Applying for grants is a journey filled with anticipation, strategy, continuous learning, and let’s face it – a little bit of anxiety. One of the most crucial steps in this process, which a lot of times is  overlooked, is reflecting on how you’ve done with previous grant applications. At Q.E.N. Strategic Consulting, we call this step R: Review Past Performance, a key part of our Grow Your G.R.A.N.T. methodology. Let’s dive into why this practice is essential and how you can use it to elevate your grant applications.

Why Review Past Performance?

Reviewing past performance isn’t just about analyzing what went right or wrong. It’s about gaining insights, learning from experiences, and refining your approach to maximize future success. By reflecting on your previous grant applications, you can identify patterns, understand funder expectations better, and make informed adjustments to your strategy.

Analyzing Past Grant Applications

Start by gathering any grant applications you’ve submitted over the past year to 18 months, both successful and unsuccessful. Here are some key areas to focus on:

• Successes and Shortcomings: ID which applications were successful and which were not. What were the key differences between them? Pay attention to the feedback you received, if any, and note the common strengths and weaknesses.
• Feedback Analysis: If you’ve received feedback from funders, this is gold. Analyze it thoroughly to understand their perspective. Were there any recurring themes in the feedback? This can provide helpful insights into what certain funders are looking for and how you can better align your applications with their expectations.
• Grant Writing Techniques: Review the language, tone, and structure of your applications. Were they clear and concise? Did they effectively communicate your organization’s mission and impact? Sometimes, small tweaks in presentation can make a significant difference.

What to Look For

When reviewing past performance, consider these four key questions:

Were Goals Clearly Defined?

Did your grant applications clearly outline your goals and objectives? Funders need to understand the specific outcomes you aim to achieve. Ensure that your goals are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Did You Use Data Effectively?

Good data is key in making a compelling case. Did you back up your claims with strong, relevant data? Review how you presented data and whether it supported your narrative effectively. This ties back to our G: Get into the Heads and Hearts strategy, and for more insights, check out my previous article on this topic.

Was Your Budget Realistic?

A well-structured budget reflects your project’s feasibility. Did your past applications provide a detailed and realistic budget? Were all necessary expenses included and justified? Check out my article on A: Apply for Grants that Best Fit Your Organization for more tips on creating a solid budget.

Were You Clear About Impact?

Funders want to see the potential impact of their investment. Did your applications clearly articulate the difference your project would make to your intended client-base? Use both qualitative and quantitative measures to illustrate your impact. This is another important aspect of G: Get into the Heads and Hearts – just in case you missed it!

Learn and Adapt

Based on your review, make a list of lessons learned. What worked well, and what didn’t? How can you apply these lessons to future applications? Adapt your strategies to address the identified gaps and build on your strengths.

Case in Point

Many of our clients at Q.E.N. Strategic Consulting have seen a significant improvement in their grant success rate by incorporating this review process. Initially, they struggled with vague project descriptions and insufficient data. After reviewing their past applications, we helped them define clearer goals, use compelling data, and articulate their impact more effectively. The result? A remarkable increase in successful grant awards!

Final Thoughts

Reviewing past performance is not just a step in the process; it’s a strategy for continuous improvement. By setting aside time to reflect and learn, you set yourself up for greater success in future grant applications. Remember, every application is an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve.

Ready to elevate your grant applications? Sign up for my next Grow Your G.R.A.N.T. 60-Day Workshop Series starting on September 16th!

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