You’ve made sure your work and your prospective funder’s priorities are aligned, and crafted a strong grant application.

But if you really want to stand out and secure funding, your program’s evaluation data needs to shine.

You don’t want to make promises—you want to show proof.

By effectively using data to showcase impact, you’re turning numbers into compelling evidence, improving your chances of getting the funding you need.

Let’s explore how to use program evaluation to take your grant applications from data to dollars.

Demonstrate impact with strong data

Your program’s evaluation should do more than collect numbers—it should prove your organization is making a difference. Funders want to see that their investment will have a tangible impact, so your data should clearly show how your work is creating change.

Show change over time

Don’t just present a snapshot of your program—show progress. Instead of saying, “We served 300 high school seniors,” highlight measurable growth: “After six months in our college-prep program, 85% of participants reported increased confidence in applying to colleges.” Longitudinal data—tracking participants before, during, and after your program—gives funders a clear picture of your success.

Connect data to real-life outcomes

Funders don’t just want to see that people attended your program; they want to know what changed for them as a result. If your organization provides college-prep training for high school seniors, don’t stop at “300 college seniors completed our college prep training.” Go further: “Within six months, 70% of high school seniors who participated in our program applied to their top 3 colleges.” The stronger the link between your activities and real-world improvements, the more compelling your case for funding.

Balance qualitative and quantitative data

Numbers tell one side of the story, but personal experiences and testimonials bring the data to life. A strong grant application blends both to create a full picture of impact.

Use participant stories to add depth

Pairing statistics with real stories makes data more engaging. For example, if your survey shows that 90% of program participants feel more prepared for life post-college, add a personal testimonial: “Before joining the program, I wasn’t sure I could handle college applications. Now, I’ve been accepted to my dream school.” Funders connect with stories, so use them to make your data feel personal.

Use visuals to make data more accessible

Instead of overwhelming funders with spreadsheets, turn key insights into easy-to-digest visuals. Charts, infographics, and case studies can make complex data more engaging and immediately clear. A simple before-and-after chart can quickly illustrate program impact without requiring funders to sift through paragraphs of numbers.

Avoid common data pitfalls

Even strong programs can lose funding if their evaluation data is presented poorly. Avoid these common mistakes to strengthen your grant application.

Don’t overload with too much data

While it’s tempting to share every data point, more isn’t always better. Funders are busy and don’t have time to comb through pages of numbers. Focus on 2-3 key metrics that best showcase your impact. Use bullet points or callout boxes to highlight them. If funders want more detail, they’ll ask.

Make sure data ties back to your funding request

Your data should directly support why you need funding. If you’re applying for a grant to expand your college-prep program, your data should emphasize how the program currently works and why additional resources would increase impact. A mismatch between the data you present and your funding request can weaken your application.

Key takeaway

Strong program evaluation can turn a good grant application into a winning one. By demonstrating impact, balancing quantitative and qualitative data, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can make your case more compelling to funders. Remember, data isn’t just about numbers—it’s about telling the story of your impact. Use it well, and you’ll be one step closer to securing the funding your organization needs.

Raise Your Voice: What’s one way you’ve used program evaluation data to strengthen a grant application? Share below in the comments section.

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