How to Best Estimate Unduplicated People Served in Grant Applications

When applying for grants, funders will often ask you to estimate the unduplicated number of people served by your program. But how do you make sure your estimate is accurate and realistic? In this post, I’ll share three key strategies to help you provide a strong estimate of the unique individuals your program will impact.

1. Analyze Past Data 

The first step in estimating unduplicated people served is to look at your past data. If you’ve run similar programs before, you likely have historical records that can help guide your estimates. This is often the best source of information, as it reflects real numbers from your own work.

2. Consider Your Program Scope and Capacity 

Next, think about the scope and capacity of your program. How many unique people can you realistically serve based on your program’s structure? Understanding these limits will help you avoid overestimating and ensure that your estimate aligns with your program’s capacity.

3. Collaborate with Partners and Stakeholders 

If your program involves working with partners, collaborate with them to get a more accurate estimate. Your partners may have valuable data or experience that can inform your unduplicated count.

For more detailed tips, download my free guide with seven additional strategies for estimating unduplicated people served in your grant applications. Use the form at the bottom of this post to get your copy!