What is the correct order of the grantmaking lifecycle?

The grantmaking lifecycle typically follows a structured process that begins with engaging stakeholders and defining the needs for funding. This engagement helps in understanding the community’s requirements and building supportive relationships, which sets a solid foundation for the subsequent steps.

Following engagement, the next phase is to plan the grant program. This involves outlining the objectives, identifying eligibility criteria, and establishing the evaluation framework that will guide the awarding process. Planning ensures that all necessary components are considered and aligned with the organization’s goals and the needs identified during the engagement phase.

Once planning is complete, the lifecycle moves to the award phase, where grants are formally allocated to recipients based on the established criteria and evaluation process. This entails careful consideration and selection of proposals that match the defined objectives.

The final step of the lifecycle is the review phase. This involves assessing the grant outcomes, understanding the impact of the funded initiatives, and gathering insights that can inform future grantmaking practices. Review is critical for accountability, transparency, and learning, allowing organizations to refine their strategies and improve the grantmaking process over time.

Thus, the correct order of the grantmaking lifecycle—Engage, Award, Plan, Review—flows logically and supports an effective and responsive grantmaking strategy.