How to Align Grants with Organisational Strategy

Aligning grants to strategy means translating your mission into criteria, outcomes and learning loops.

• Define a small set of outcomes and decision principles.
• Map criteria and reporting to those outcomes.
• Review results annually and adjust focus.

Set the direction

Turn strategy into practical guidance.

• Priority themes, locations and beneficiary groups.
• Eligibility boundaries and exclusions.
• Example projects that fit well.

Key takeaway: clarity improves both applications and decisions.

Measure what matters

Collect proportionate data that reflects your aims.

• Standard indicators with local flexibility.
• Combine metrics with short stories.
• Portfolio dashboards by theme and geography.

Key takeaway: Plinth links intake, delivery and impact.

Review and adapt

Use learning to refine strategy.

• Compare cohorts and identify patterns.
• Engage stakeholders and communities.
• Update criteria and guidance for next rounds.

Key takeaway: alignment is ongoing, not one‑off.

FAQs

How many outcomes should we track?

Three to five is manageable and meaningful.

Should we fund outside priorities?

Rarely; record rationale and learning if you do.

Can applicants see our outcomes?

Yes—publish them with examples to improve fit.