1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Develop a streamlined application and report form for small grants to ensure the grant is worthwhile.
  5. Test your streamlined applications with existing grantees and ask for feedback. Chances are they will offer ideas you haven’t considered.
  6. Ask grantseekers to submit applications electronically.
  7. Let grantseekers submit financial information in their original, off-the-shelf formats rather than requiring reformatting.
  8. 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.
  9. For renewal grants, make reporting on the previous grant part of the process to apply for subsequent funding.
  10. 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.