How to Describe the Beneficiaries of Your Project in a Grant Application

When writing a grant application, one of the most important sections to get right is describing the beneficiaries of your project or program. Funders are looking for detailed information about who will benefit from their investment, and this section can make or break your application. Here are three key strategies to help you craft a compelling description of your beneficiaries.

1. Be Specific with Demographics

Funders want clarity about the population you are serving. The more specific you are, the better. Include details such as age range, gender, location, and economic status, and don't be afraid to get granular. Instead of a vague statement like, “We serve underserved families,” say, “We serve single-parent households in low-income urban neighborhoods with children between the ages of 5 and 12.” Specificity shows that you understand your target population and have a plan to reach them effectively.

2. Address Their Needs Clearly

After defining who your beneficiaries are, it’s crucial to explain why they need your program or project. What challenges or barriers are they facing? Use data or research to back up your points. For example, you could say, “In this region, 40% of families live below the poverty line, with limited access to healthcare and educational resources.” Demonstrating that you’ve researched and understand your beneficiaries’ needs makes your project more compelling.

3. Highlight the Outcomes for Beneficiaries

Funders want to know how their investment will make a difference in the lives of your beneficiaries. Clearly describe the tangible outcomes your program will produce. For example, “By participating in our program, 85% of students will improve their literacy skills within six months, and 75% of parents will report an increase in job readiness.” Providing measurable outcomes tied directly to your beneficiaries gives funders confidence in your ability to create impact.

To help you dive even deeper into crafting the perfect beneficiary description, I’ve put together a free download with seven additional tips. Scroll down to the form at the bottom of this post to grab your copy and make your grant applications stand out!

Describing your beneficiaries effectively is about being clear, specific, and outcome-focused. When funders understand who will benefit from your project, why they need your help, and how you will make a difference, your chances of securing funding increase dramatically. Download my free guide below to gain even more insights into writing this critical part of your grant application.