How can you encourage grantees to provide feedback on grant-funded projects?

2 Build trust and rapport

Another key factor to encourage feedback from grantees is to build trust and rapport with them. You can do this by being respectful, responsive, and supportive of their work and goals. You can also show genuine interest and curiosity in their projects, ask open-ended questions, and listen actively to their answers. You should avoid being judgmental, critical, or punitive when receiving feedback, and instead acknowledge their efforts, appreciate their honesty, and celebrate their successes. You should also be transparent and accountable about how you use their feedback and what actions you take based on it.

3 Use multiple and flexible methods

A third tip to encourage feedback from grantees is to use multiple and flexible methods to collect and share feedback. You can use different tools and platforms, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, online forums, social media, or newsletters, to reach out to different types of grantees and accommodate their preferences and capacities. You can also vary the frequency and timing of your feedback requests, depending on the stage and nature of the projects. For example, you can ask for feedback at the beginning, middle, and end of the grant cycle, or after specific milestones or events. You should also allow grantees to choose how they want to provide feedback, whether it is written, verbal, or visual.

4 Provide incentives and recognition

A fourth tip to encourage feedback from grantees is to provide incentives and recognition for their feedback. You can offer tangible or intangible rewards, such as additional funding, technical assistance, training opportunities, or public recognition, to motivate and thank grantees for their feedback. You can also create feedback loops, where you share the feedback you receive from grantees with other grantees and stakeholders, and invite them to comment, discuss, or collaborate on the feedback. This can create a sense of community and learning among your grantees, and encourage them to see feedback as a valuable resource and opportunity.

5 Solicit and act on feedback

A final tip to encourage feedback from grantees is to solicit and act on feedback yourself. You can ask grantees for feedback on your grant administration processes, policies, and practices, and how you can improve them to better serve their needs and expectations. You can also ask grantees for feedback on your own feedback practices, and how you can make them more effective, relevant, and user-friendly. You should demonstrate that you value and use their feedback, by implementing changes, addressing issues, or communicating results based on their feedback. You should also follow up with grantees to inform them of the actions you have taken, and ask for their feedback on the outcomes.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?