How to Choose Outcomes, Outputs, and Measures for Grant Success

Selecting the right outcomes, outputs, and measures in a grant application is crucial for showing funders how your project will create meaningful impact. In this post, I’ll walk you through a practical, step-by-step approach to crafting these elements so that your application stands out.

Outcomes – The "Why" Behind Your Project

When defining your outcomes, think of the long-term changes you’re aiming to create. These are your project’s “big wins.” Funders want to see how your work will leave a lasting impact, whether it's improved community health, higher graduation rates, or environmental sustainability. Your outcomes should align with both your mission and the funder's priorities.

Outputs – The Tangible Deliverables

Outputs are what you’ll actually deliver. They are the measurable, tangible results of your project. For example, how many workshops will you run? How many people will receive services? Funders appreciate clear, specific outputs because they show the concrete actions you're taking to achieve your outcomes.

Measures – Proving Your Success

Finally, measures show how you’ll track progress and success. These could include participant surveys, performance data, or completion rates. Strong measures reassure funders that you’ve thought critically about how to evaluate your project’s effectiveness, which increases their confidence in your ability to deliver.

Be sure to check out my free download with additional tips for selecting the right outcomes, outputs, and measures to make your grant application shine!