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By Jorden Anderson, MSW, MPA, GPC and Danny Blitch, MPA, GPC
You understand the importance of the five W’s in grant writing: Who, What, When, Where, and Why. However, in today’s funding landscape, the most important W – Who – is often overlooked. As a grant professional, you have a responsibility to keep Who at the center of every proposal because they are the very reason grants even exist.
Consider the difference between two grant-funded projects: One project secures funding but lacks community input, leading to services that go unused or fail to address real needs. Another project is shaped by the voices of those it serves, creates lasting change. By prioritizing Who in your proposals through compassionate grant writing, you help funding reach where it’s needed most, empowering people, not just institutions.
The Ripple Effect
Compassionate, people-centered grant writing does more than secure funding. It amplifies the human impact of every dollar invested. When funders see the real stories behind the numbers, they gain a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and how your project will create sustainable change. The approach not only influences immediate funding decisions but also promotes long-term sustainability and strengthens community voices in the funding process.
The ripple effects of this practice extend far beyond a single project. A people-centered proposal can lay the foundation for lifelong benefits, from early childhood education to higher education, workforce training, recreational activities, healthcare access, and senior living.
Compassionate grant writing has the power to inspire. For instance, people-centered projects don’t just serve those in need. They motivate others to contribute their time, talents, and resources to further the mission. Similarly, compassion-based projects can serve as a catalyst, sparking generosity and inspiring future funding decisions.
Practical Tips
The reality is that human-centered language and real stories are far more effective than dry data points. When possible, share real-life examples that illustrate the impact of your work while protecting privacy. Changing names and locations can maintain authenticity and uphold confidentiality.
Working directly with the community to design projects with input from those to be served is another key human-centered approach. Meeting face-to-face with community stakeholders and potential beneficiaries can provide valuable insights and help shape grant projects effectively. Taking this approach not only strengthens project design but also demonstrates to funders that your organization is actively working alongside the community to achieve shared goals.
While addressing challenges is important, it’s equally vital to highlight the community’s strengths and assets. Share positive stories to inspire confidence in your organization’s ability to create meaningful change. Researching and understanding the community’s specific needs is important so that your proposals go beyond surface-level metrics and demonstrate real impact.
Ask yourself: Are you amplifying the voices and experiences of those directly impacted, or are you prioritizing those who simply claim to know best? Are you directing finite funding toward those who truly need it or those who are best at securing it?
In this new era, keeping Who at the heart of your work isn’t just a best practice — it’s your ethical responsibility.
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Jorden Anderson, MSW, MPA, GPC, is the founder of Jorden Anderson Consulting, a five-year-old consulting firm that has raised more than $30 million on behalf of its clients across the nation. Her email is [email protected]. Danny Blitch, MPA, GPC, is managing consultant of Federal Grants at Alloy Fundraising in Atlanta. He has secured more than $250 million in grant funding for various causes throughout his career. His email is [email protected]
