Every year, we reflect on feedback from applicants and partners to better understand how we can improve our grantmaking processes. This evaluation is an important part of the grants process which allows us to determine what works well and what could be better. Evaluation is an ongoing process, however, these surveys allow us to receive specific feedback at key points in the grants process and relationship. The surveys are anonymous as well which allows for honest feedback to be shared with us. This blog will provide an overview of the feedback received from applicants and partners in 2024. A full report can be found at the end.
There are four key stages in the grant-making process when we ask for feedback: (1) after an unsuccessful application, (2) grant offer, (3) midway through the grant partnership, and (4) at the end. These surveys allow us to receive feedback from partners at different stages of their grant and their relationship with us, as well as collecting feedback from unsuccessful applicants, to holistically improve our grants process.
Overall, the feedback from applicants and partners has been positive. There was consistently high customer feedback, particularly around the grant manager relationship. Partners also appreciated the support offer provided alongside their grant, which includes (but is not limited to) wellbeing grants, development and convening opportunities. Unsuccessful applicants appreciated the clarity of feedback provided at rejection.
Improvements from this year’s feedback mainly centred on grants which were concluding. Overall, partners understood that shifts in funding priorities may lead to the closure of grants programmes, but appreciated as much notice as possible where this occurs. Other feedback demonstrates that greater thought needs to be given to grant manager handovers to lessen the impact this has on partners.
The top three things partners expressed they would like Blagrave to do to improve its offer to partners are:
- Sharing lessons and experiences among organisations working on similar issues
- Advocating on behalf of our partners with other funders and changemakers
- Provide access to pro bono support for our organisation
None of these options were the top three suggestions in partner’s feedback from 2023, suggesting there’s changing priorities amongst partners, particularly as we fund more youth-led groups.
We are working to improve our grantmaking as a result of this feedback to create a better experience for applicants and partners. A big thank you to all applicants and partners who took the time to provide feedback and valuable insight!