What Statistics Are Most Relevant to Include in a Grant Application?

When writing a grant application, including the right statistics can make a world of difference. But which numbers do funders really care about? In this post, I’ll cover the three most important types of statistics you should include to make your application stand out. And, if you’re looking for more in-depth tips, be sure to download the free resource at the bottom of the post.

Impact Data

Funders want to know the tangible outcomes of your work. That’s why impact data is crucial in your grant application. These statistics show how many people are benefiting from your programs and the specific changes or improvements your work has achieved. Whether you're measuring educational outcomes, health improvements, or economic gains, these numbers prove that your organization is making a difference. The more specific and measurable your outcomes are, the more compelling your proposal will be. Make sure to include data on the population you’re serving, such as age, income levels, or geographic location, to give funders a clearer picture of your work's reach.

Financial Data

Another key statistic funders are looking for is financial data. They need to know that their investment in your organization will be managed wisely and that you are financially stable. Including statistics like your organization’s budget, past funding sources, and cost per beneficiary helps demonstrate this. Be transparent about how you’ve used funds in the past and how the requested grant will contribute to the project's financial health. This type of data reassures funders that you have the experience and infrastructure to manage funds responsibly.

Benchmarking

Benchmarking statistics compare your organization’s performance to others in your field or against national averages. This gives funders a frame of reference for evaluating your effectiveness. For example, if your program has a higher success rate than similar organizations or your cost per beneficiary is lower than the industry average, these are powerful statistics to include. Funders want to know that their money will go to an organization that is performing at a high level, and benchmarking helps show them that you are above or at least on par with industry standards.

The statistics you choose to include in your grant application can make all the difference in securing funding. Impact data, financial data, and benchmarking statistics are three essential types of numbers that will help your proposal stand out to funders. By providing clear, compelling, and relevant statistics, you’ll give funders the confidence they need to invest in your organization. Don’t forget, if you’d like even more tips on selecting the best statistics for your grant applications, download the free resource at the bottom.