Funder Report Card 2026

Table of contents

GUIDANCE: HOW TO USE THE TOOL

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to using this tool, as each organisation will have different governance structures, resource levels, and organisational frameworks. We therefore recommend the following approach:

  • Decide who will take responsibility for completing the tool. If possible, our advice is to assemble a wide range of stakeholders from across different teams and levels of your organisation, paying particular attention to internal power dynamics, including but not limited to gender and race, and ensuring everyone has a voice in the process.
  • Co-create a process on how and when each of the sections will be tackled. You could consider engaging an external facilitator to help guide you through the process, if you feel that an external voice might be more objective.
  • In total, the process could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the size of the organisation and the number of stakeholders that need to be meaningfully involved. This tool has been designed so that the process matters just as much if not more than the outcome.

INSTRUCTIONS TO GUIDE NEXT STEPS

Who will assume ultimate responsibility for completing the tool?
How will inputs from other members of the organisation be captured? Tick all that apply
What types of resources are we able to dedicate to completing this tool? Tick all that apply
Which part of the organisation will the tool cover? Tick all that apply
Note: Larger funders might find it hard to complete the tool for the entire organisation – we therefore recommend starting with smaller entities, and completing the tool as many times as needed.
Is there a set timeframe in which the tool must be completed?
Note: Ensure there is sufficient time to consult relevant team members.

SCORING: For questions with associated scoring, we have created a five-point scale, where the first answer is worth 1 point and the last answer is worth 5. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: This tool has been designed to take funders through a complete journey of examining their funding practices. For a lighter version of the tool, we recommend completing Section Two – Level Two, Organisational Practices and Policies.

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