If you’ve ever written a grant application, you’ve probably spent a lot of time listing what you’ll buy, what you’ll build, or what events you’ll run. And that’s fine—funders do need to know what their money will be spent on. But here’s the catch: they don’t actually care about the stuff you’re buying.

What they really care about is why it matters.

Outputs vs. Outcomes: What’s the Difference?

Think of outputs as the things you can count—the items you purchase and the activities you deliver.

👉 Bought five new computers? That’s an output.

👉 Hosted ten community workshops? Another output.

👉 Built a new fence around a wildlife reserve? Yep, output.

On the other hand, outcomes are the big-picture changes that happen because of those outputs. Outcomes are usually harder to count, but they can (and should) be measured in other ways.

✅ More young people developing digital skills and finding jobs? That’s an outcome.

✅ More local people taking action to protect the environment? That’s an outcome.

✅ A safer habitat for threatened species? Another outcome.

Your outputs help you achieve your outcomes. But funders don’t just want a list of things you’ll deliver—they want to see the real-world impact your project will have.

A Kitchen Renovation? Not That Exciting. A Thriving Community? Now We’re Talking.

Let’s say you’re applying for a grant to upgrade the kitchen in your community hall. You might think, “Well, the funding body should care because our kitchen is outdated, and we really need a new one.” But here’s the thing—government funders don’t care about kitchens in community halls.

What they care about is why that kitchen matters to your community.

Community halls play a huge role in rural towns. They bring people together, provide space for social events, and reduce isolation. A modern, functional kitchen means more events, more community meals, and more people—especially older residents—staying socially connected. It also means local groups can run cooking programs, host fundraising events, and teach young people essential life skills.

All those things are outcomes. Renovating the kitchen is just the way you achieve them.

How to Frame Your Grant Application Around Outcomes

If you want to increase your chances of getting funded, here’s what you need to do:

1️⃣ Start with the end in mind. Instead of thinking about what you want to buy, think about the change you want to create.

2️⃣ Use evidence to back it up. Can you show that your community really needs this? Are there stats, reports, or community surveys that prove your project will have an impact?

3️⃣ Tell a compelling story. Instead of just listing what you’ll deliver, paint a picture of what will be different in your community because of your project.

4️⃣ Think beyond your project. If the funding body invests in you, what are the long-term benefits? Will the impact keep going after the grant money is spent?

The Takeaway

Funders aren’t in the business of handing out money for shopping lists. They’re investing in solutions to real problems. The best grant applications make it crystal clear how the project will create meaningful change.

So next time you sit down to write a grant, don’t just focus on what you’ll do. Focus on why it matters. That’s what will get you across the line.