Grantmaking holds the promise of positively contributing to society. It is a powerful and transformational tool. But as grantmakers, we know it can often be overwhelming to think about complex social issues and challenges facing those we seek to serve.

These complicated responsibilities and difficult tasks may leave some grantmakers asking themselves, “where do I begin?” It may not be obvious at first that the best place to start may be funding pilot projects. There are several things a grantmaker should consider before funding a pilot project.

Reframe Your Approach

Grantmakers appreciate streamlined processes and procedures that are supported by grants management programs like {g} grants. There are efficiencies in doing things consistently and managing program partner expectations. Pilot projects may require grantmakers to stretch their thinking and do new things in new ways.

Funders may need to communicate more frequently and in different ways. Accessing real-time data through your grants management system will allow you to clearly communicate with your project partners about their progress toward goals. These goals, and their supporting objectives, measures, and strategies may be defined differently, and ultimately, success of a pilot project will be measured differently. You can use your software to appropriately track and monitor progress on these unique goals – continuously.

Reframing the approach and expectations from the beginning is crucial because pilots are not like traditional grants – they are about testing and learning and sometimes pilots are successful when they fail. Your grants data will help you understand program strengths and weaknesses.

Find the Right People

Working with trusted partners and consultants will help you find success in pilot projects. You can utilize your grantmaking software to track partners and the work of any consultants. You can even use software tools to measure the strength of certain partnerships and networks within the project.

Be Nimble

Funders should expect to be more hands-on throughout a pilot project. Being nimble will allow grantees to course correct based on what they are learning and, in turn, lead to more positive outcomes for the project. Pilot project budgets may need to be adjusted. Contributions for specific project activities could be shifted in your grants management platform to account for changes, without waiting until the end of the project.

It’s Okay to Miss the Mark

Just as all grants are not successful, the same is true for pilot projects. Because pilots are testing new ideas, models, frameworks or strategies, everything will not go as planned. Regardless of the outputs of the project, the outcomes will help inform future grantmaking and program design. Even when a project fails, all partners must fail forward – together.

Let Others Learn with You

Once a pilot project is complete, share what has been learned with others in the field. If the project has identified something that works – or something that does not work, for that matter – let people know. Your software will help you showcase your project in easy to understand charts, graphs, and text.

Be Realistic

Start small and do not commit to doing several pilot projects at once. Use your software to stay informed and engaged in the project and to help partners contribute to overall project goals. Meaningful and successful pilot projects have the potential to solve complex social problems. When funders and grantees foster a level of trust to embark on a pilot project together, it truly creates a winning combination for our world.

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