The Role of Outputs and Outcomes in Grant Writing
The construction of a trail can produce numerous outcomes (impacts) such as increased physical activity and economic revitalization. (Photo: Neal Fogle, Penn State)
Be Prepared for Grant Writing
Grant writing involves numerous elements, including understanding and applying various components of information that the funder has deemed important and necessary. In some cases, such information is easily defined and conveyed. In other cases, the lines between categories of what is being requested may seem blurred. One such example is the difference between outputs and outcomes.
Grant writers should understand how outputs and outcomes differ and how each is incorporated into a project and grant application. Complete understanding enables the grant writer to collect the most applicable information and include it in their application. Having this information concisely gathered will, in turn, help the funder better evaluate their desire to fund the application and invest in the proposed project.
Outputs or Outcomes
In the world of grant writing, outputs and outcomes are related to one another, yet are very distinct. Knowing how to apply them can benefit organizations or individuals in their grant-writing efforts.
Outputs are the things that the applicant and/or those included in the proposal will be doing (the tasks undertaken, activities involved). Such activities could include items such as programs or events that will be held, studies or publications that will be created, or materials that will be developed.
Outcomes are the benefits that will be produced as a result of the outputs. In other words, what changes will happen? What impacts will result from the outputs being conducted? For instance, participants in a program may increase their knowledge on an issue, learn a new skill, or change their behavior. The most desired outcomes are those that have long-term and far-reaching impacts. Some examples of long-term impacts are improved community health or safety, higher income levels, and upgraded environmental quality.
Importance of Outputs and Outcomes
Funders want to see results/impacts (outcomes) and know the means (outputs) by which grant applicants will reach them. They also want to know that these tasks and activities will have a high likelihood of being successful in meeting realistic and meaningful results. Requiring information on outputs and outcomes helps them better understand and evaluate an applicant's ability to meet the need that has been identified in the application.
Grant application formats and processes, terminology, definitions, and required information will vary among funders. As such, grant writers should review and follow the specific application requirements of each organization from which funding is being considered. The bottom line for grant writers is to make the outputs that they are looking to have funded a good investment of the funder's resources. They should show how the outputs that they are proposing will lead to the outcomes the funder desires.
