Green Grantmaking: Tracking Environmental Impact

Environmental funds need clear, realistic indicators and stories that show change without over‑burdening grantees.

• Define scope: outputs, outcomes and longer‑term effects.
• Use proportionate indicators relevant to projects.
• Combine metrics with case studies and photos.

Choosing indicators

Keep measures practical and comparable.

• Emissions reduced/avoided and resource savings.
• Biodiversity actions and habitat improvements.
• Behaviour change in communities.

Key takeaway: pick a small set that you can track credibly.

Data collection in practice

Make reporting workable for grantees.

• Templates and examples for consistent data.
• Accept estimates with clear methods.
• Use sampling and audits sparingly.

Key takeaway: Plinth standardises inputs and produces clear summaries.

Communicating results

Tell the story for boards and the public.

• Before/after visuals and short quotes.
• Portfolio trends over time.
• Lessons for future funding rounds.

Key takeaway: impact stories should be honest and understandable.

FAQs

Do we need carbon accounting expertise?

Only for some funds; start simple and seek advice as needed.

How do we avoid greenwashing?

Be clear about assumptions and uncertainties.

Can small groups report credibly?

Yes with proportionate indicators and support.