What Funders and Policymakers Really Want: Writing Impactful Reports and Briefings
Charities and community organisations do incredible work, but if funders and policymakers don’t understand your impact, securing funding and influencing change becomes much harder.
A well-crafted report or briefing isn’t just about sharing information—it’s about making sure the right people see, understand, and act on it. Whether you’re applying for funding, engaging with MLAs, or influencing policy, how you present your work can make all the difference.
At Policy360, I help charities and community organisations write reports and briefings that get noticed—so you can secure funding, shape policy, and strengthen your advocacy. Here’s how.
1️⃣ Funders Want to See Impact—Not Just Activity
Too often, charities fall into the trap of listing what they’ve done, rather than showing what difference it made. Funders need clear evidence of impact—how has your work changed lives, improved communities, or addressed a critical need?
✔ How to present your work effectively:
Lead with the outcomes: Instead of saying “We delivered 20 workshops”, say “85% of participants reported increased confidence in managing their finances after attending our workshops.”
Use data and stories together: A combination of statistics and real-life stories makes your case more compelling.
Be concise: Funders read hundreds of applications—get to the point quickly.
✔ How Policy360 can help you:
I work with organisations to translate their work into clear, results-driven language that funders look for.
I can review and refine funding applications to increase your chances of success.
2️⃣ Policymakers Want Solutions—Not Just Problems
Decision-makers are bombarded with issues daily. If your briefing just highlights a problem without offering a clear, realistic solution, it’s unlikely to get traction.
✔ How to present your case to policymakers:
Make it easy for them: Provide one or two clear, actionable recommendations—don’t expect them to figure it out.
Show political relevance: Explain how your ask fits into government priorities, party manifestos, or public concerns.
Keep it short: A one-page summary with key stats and asks is far more effective than a 10-page document.
✔ How Policy360 can help you:
I can help you frame your policy recommendations in a way that resonates with MLAs, councillors, and government departments.
I offer briefing-writing support, ensuring your documents are clear, persuasive, and actionable.
3️⃣ How to Structure an Impactful Report or Briefing
Whether you’re writing for funders or policymakers, following a clear structure makes your document easier to read—and more likely to get results.
🔹 For Funders (Funding Reports & Applications):
✅ Introduction – Who you are, what issue you’re tackling, and why it matters.
✅ Impact Summary – Key statistics and success stories.
✅ Evidence – Data proving why your approach works.
✅ The Ask – What you need funding for and how it will be used.
✅ Next Steps – How funders can engage further.
🔹 For Policymakers (Policy Briefings):
✅ Headline – A clear, attention-grabbing statement of the issue.
✅ Context – Why this issue matters now.
✅ Evidence – Data and real-world examples.
✅ Recommendations – Specific actions policymakers should take.
✅ Contact Details – So they can follow up easily.
✔ How Policy360 can help you:
I can help you structure your reports and briefings to maximise their impact.
I offer training and support on writing for different audiences, ensuring your documents are clear, persuasive, and actionable.
Make Your Work Stand Out—And Get Results
Funders and policymakers don’t have time to search for your key messages—they need them presented clearly, concisely, and convincingly.
At Policy360, I help charities and community organisations write reports and briefings that get noticed, so you can secure funding, influence policy, and make a bigger impact.
👉 Need help crafting reports that win funding and shape policy? Let’s talk about how Policy360 can support your organisation. Email me now hello@policy360.co.uk
Until next time.
Ellen