Today’s funders are thinking differently. Through the lens of impact investing, they are looking beyond mission alignment and focusing on measurable results, clear outcomes, and organizations that can demonstrate how their work creates real change. This guide breaks down the seven signals grantmakers look for when deciding where to invest—and how nonprofits can strengthen proposals, improve impact reporting, and align their programs with what funders truly value.
What you’ll learn:
- How to align your programs with funders’ impact investing priorities
- The difference between activities, outputs, and true outcomes
- How to use simple frameworks like Connect → Improve → Change
- What grantmakers look for when evaluating program effectiveness
- How better data and case management strengthen your funding story
- Ways to combine impact stories with measurable results
- How to position your organization for long-term funding success
