In the context of grantmaking, what does the 'Plan' phase typically involve?

In the context of grantmaking, the 'Plan' phase is focused on assessing the needs of the community and establishing the criteria that will guide the grantmaking process. During this phase, organizations identify the specific issues that need addressing and determine the objectives of the grants. This foundational work ensures that the funds are directed toward projects that align with the strategic goals of the grantmaker and effectively address the identified needs.

Engaging in thorough needs assessment and criteria establishment is crucial because it helps to clarify the purpose of the grants and provides a framework for evaluating proposals later in the process. This phase sets the stage for subsequent activities such as reviewing applications, distributing funds, and ultimately evaluating the success of the funded projects.