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- Identify the information that is essential for your foundation to make a grant decision and request only that information in your grant application. Consider how you will use the information.
- Develop different versions of your application tailored to the types of funding you offer, such as project support, general operating support, and capital project funding.
- Set page limits or ranges as part of your grant application to make the scope and depth of information you seek for different sizes and types of grants clear.
- Develop a streamlined application and report form for small grants to ensure the grant is worthwhile.
- Test your streamlined applications with existing grantees and ask for feedback. Chances are they will offer ideas you haven’t considered.
- Ask grantseekers to submit applications electronically.
- Let grantseekers submit financial information in their original, off-the-shelf formats rather than requiring reformatting.
- Align reporting requirements to the size and type of grant. Instead of asking for a written report, consider inviting key grantees to talk about their projects or organizations over coffee or lunch.
- For renewal grants, make reporting on the previous grant part of the process to apply for subsequent funding.
- Store grantee information in an Excel spreadsheet, database, or grants management system. Then, ask organizations you’ve supported in the past to submit updates only.
Read the full article about right-sizing at Exponent Philanthropy.