Over three weeks in September 2017, PEAK Grantmaking, along with several colleague organizations, distributed and publicized an online survey to solicit grantmakers' experiences with and aspirations for grant reporting.

First and foremost, this survey sought some basic facts about the state of reporting, circa 2017.  For example:  how — and how often — do funders collect reports? What type of information is required?  How is this information used?

Current practices do vary, in ways that may seem arbitrary (especially to grantees with multiple funders). Nevertheless, a few consistent policies and practices did emerge:

Online systems for reporting are finally having their moment. Although online reporting has lagged behind online application processes, 64 percent of respondents use an online system to collect and review reports. Another 30 percent accept reports by email.

The "basics" are often the same. While certain information is nearly always required, most grantmakers require reports in their own format and will not accept a common report submitted to multiple funders. Almost all funders told us they ask grantees for a description of accomplishments, financial reports, and any challenges and "lessons."

Different grants … same report format. Although grants can differ subtly or radically within a funder's portfolio, many respondents reported using a single format and set of requirements regardless of the size or type of grant. Nearly half told us that they have no variation in reporting from grant to grant. When reporting requirements do vary, type of grant, program, focus, or department triggered the variation.

Read the full article about the current state of grantmaking practices at PEAK Insight Journal.