Grant Management for Charities: A Beginner’s Guide

Grant management is about meeting conditions, recording progress and sharing outcomes so funders can support you again.

• Read guidance carefully and ask questions early.
• Keep decisions and evidence organised from day one.
• Use simple tools like Plinth to stay on track.

Before you apply

Check fit and prepare clear answers.

• Eligibility and priorities—do you match?
• Budget and timeline that you can deliver.
• Evidence and stories that show your impact.

Key takeaway: good fit beats volume of applications.

After you’re funded

Deliver confidently and keep funders informed.

• Agree milestones, payments and contacts.
• Share brief updates and raise issues early.
• Save documents and receipts in one place.

Key takeaway: proactive communication builds trust.

Reporting and next steps

Keep reporting proportionate and useful.

• Short updates with numbers and examples.
• What worked, what changed and what’s next.
• Ask about renewal or future opportunities.

Key takeaway: clarity today helps tomorrow’s application.

FAQs

Do small charities need software?

Yes—lightweight tools prevent missed deadlines and duplicated work.

Do funders expect perfect results?

No—be honest about learning and course‑correcting.

Can we reuse answers across funds?

Yes—save your best examples and adapt to criteria.