Grantee and Applicant Perception Survey (GAPS) - Exponent Philanthropy

Grantee and Applicant Perception Survey (GAPS)

Identify What’s Working & What Needs Work

In today’s dynamic philanthropic environment, understanding the perspectives of your grantees and applicants is more crucial than ever. Exponent Philanthropy’s Grantee and Applicant Perception Survey (GAPS) provides foundations with a structured approach to gather candid feedback on processes, communication, equity, and overall impact.

How Our GAPS Supports Your Work

Our Grantee and Applicant Perception Survey (GAPS) helps you:

  • Build Trust: Understand how grantees and applicants experience your foundation.
  • Stay Responsive: Learn how your support is helping nonprofits navigate today’s challenges.
  • Improve Relationships: Strengthen communication and reduce unintentional barriers.
  • Support Equity: Gather feedback on how your practices reflect your values.

Get clear, actionable insights to make your grantmaking more effective and aligned with your mission.

What the Survey Covers

The GAPS includes both multiple-choice and open-ended questions, covering areas such as:

  • Support During Challenges: Effectiveness of assistance provided during periods of economic uncertainty or policy changes.
  • Communication: Timeliness, professionalism, and clarity in interactions.
  • Application Process: Efficiency, transparency, and fairness.
  • Reporting Requirements: Clarity and reasonableness of expectations.
  • Equity Practices: Commitment to racial equity and inclusion of underrepresented communities.

Foundations can also add custom questions to address specific areas of interest or concern.

Data Analysis and Insights

Our GAPS provides your foundation with a clear, customized report highlighting strengths, challenges, and actionable next steps—all based on confidential feedback from your grantees and applicants.

  • Disaggregated Feedback: Responses can be grouped by characteristics such as grant size, type, or region to uncover patterns in how different organizations experience your processes.
  • Qualitative Insights: Open-ended responses offer candid perspectives that can deepen your understanding and spark meaningful conversation within your foundation.
  • Tailored Recommendations: The final report includes clear, foundation-specific suggestions to help you make improvements in communication, application and reporting processes, and relationship-building practices.

Take the Next Step

Ready to deepen your understanding of your grantees’ experiences and enhance your foundation’s impact?

Learn About the Cost and Process »


Fill out this interest form, and our staff will contact you to schedule a call:

GAPS Interest Form

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