A new report from the Law Family Commission on Civil Society has found that smaller charities (with an income of under £1m) spend on average more than a third of the grant income in making the fundraising application. For charities with an income of more than £1m the figure is 16%, but that is still far too high.
The report recommends that funders invest more in the design of their application processes and forms, to make it quicker and easier for charities to apply. They found that most application forms and processes had evolved over time, and funders often did not have the design and digital skills needed.
It is in everyone’s interest (funders, charities and beneficiaries) to make the application process easier, so let us hope this report is a catalyst for change. You can read the full report at https://civilsocietycommission.org/publication/giving-pains-the-cost-of-grant-making/