How do we define and measure our “fundability” – what makes you credible and attractive to donors in a crowded landscape?
Question submitted by: Makala Jasper, Mpingo Conservation and Development Initiative, Tanzania
In simple terms, fundability is how ready and trustworthy your organisation appears to a donor. It’s not about how big you are. It’s about how prepared, clear, and accountable you are.
I once worked with a small community-based organisation in rural Liberia in 2022 that had been self-funding and operating for years without securing major grants. Its programmes were impactful, but it lacked documented evidence, updated policies, and structured financial records. Together, we conducted a donor readiness assessment covering governance, financial systems, monitoring tools, and communication materials.
Within three months, it developed a simple M&E framework, cleaned up its bookkeeping, updated its board documentation, and created a clear organisational profile. The result? The organisation secured its first institutional sub-grant because it could now demonstrate structure and measurable results.
Fundability rests on five pillars:
- Clear mission and focused programming;
- Strong governance and updated compliance documents;
- Basic financial controls and transparent budgeting;
- Evidence of impact (even simple data counts);
- Credible partnerships and community validation.
Organisations can measure their fundability by scoring themselves across these areas and identifying gaps. It’s a practical exercise that transforms fundraising from mere hope into thorough preparation.
(This answer was provided Julius Gamy, a Liberian NGO fundraising strategist and proposal development specialist)
