How do you demonstrate the impact and relevance of your humanities grant outcomes?

If you need help developing outcomes, consider what you want to learn or what will lift your field. You can review existing literature in your chosen field to identify gaps in knowledge. Make note of the key concepts, theories, and methods used in the field and any controversies or disagreements among scholars or other experts. Developing a learning agenda will come in handy when you reach the next stage below-where you develop a compelling story based on your insights.

This is probably the most important aspect of a successful grant funding request, however I would also add that when soliciting funding from an unknown or new source - reach out and see if there is a scoring rubric. Too often we try to fit a square peg into a round hole and are unwilling to modify the outcomes strategy to meet the funders needs. I would suggest this is more about learning from very sophisticated funders and less about compromising or "chasing the money." Think of it as an opportunity to collaborate and learn (especially when multi-year funding is being considered).

Clear, well-defined outcomes are the backbone of demonstrating the impact of your humanities grant. Start by establishing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that relate directly to the objectives of your grant. Consider what success looks like for your project—whether it's increasing public engagement, enhancing understanding of a historical period, or influencing cultural discussions. Your outcomes should resonate not just with the scope of your project but also align with the broader goals of the grantor. Ensure consistency in what you promise to deliver and what you actually achieve will streamline your project management and set the stage for impactful storytelling about your project's success.

Collecting and analyzing data can be resource and time intensive. Depending on the complexity of the project you will want to expand your data capacity or work with a 3rd party evaluation partner or freelancer.

To convincingly demonstrate the impact of your humanities project, robust data collection and analysis are essential. Decide on the types of data that will best illustrate your project’s success—this could be quantitative, such as attendance numbers at events, or qualitative, such as testimonials from participants. Use tools and methodologies that fit the scale and scope of your project; smaller projects might benefit from simple surveys, while larger ones might require detailed data analytics. As you collect data, regularly review it to ensure it aligns with your defined outcomes, allowing you to adjust your strategies as needed. Make sure to maintain ethical standards in data collection and respect privacy where applicable.

Thought leadership and strategic public relations (PR) are crucial in communicating impact and establishing credibility. Op-eds/Press Releases: Write op-ed articles or craft press releases to announce your research findings, impact, or work. Distribute your press releases to relevant media outlets, journalists, or editors, and follow up with them to secure coverage, interviews, or features. Speaking engagements: Seek speaking opportunities at conferences, panels, workshops, webinars or public events, where you can share your research, insights, or experience. Build relationships with key influencers such as scholars, practitioners, policymakers. Get them to talk about your work on your behalf.

When you're ready to communicate the success of your grant, tailor your message to resonate with your specific audiences. Craft different versions of your findings for different stakeholders—academic audiences might appreciate more detailed scholarly impact, while the general public might prefer accessible summaries and engaging stories. Use the appropriate channels for each audience, such as academic journals, newsletters, blog posts, or press releases. Highlight the relevance of your work in current cultural or academic debates to make it more engaging. This tailored approach ensures that your findings not only reach your audiences but also captivate them.

Effective dissemination of your project’s results amplifies its impact. Plan a multi-channel dissemination strategy that may include presentations at conferences, articles in scholarly journals, posts on social media, and discussions in public forums or panels. Each platform reaches a different segment of your audience, from experts in the field to the general public interested in your work. Consider engaging visuals, infographics, or interactive presentations to make complex information more digestible and shareable. Don't underestimate the power of local media and community outlets to broaden the reach of your project's findings. Sharing your success also enhances your project's visibility and potential for future funding.

After sharing your findings, actively seek feedback from peers, participants, and stakeholders. This feedback is a goldmine for understanding the impact of your project from multiple perspectives and for identifying areas for improvement. Use structured surveys, informal interviews, or focus groups to gather diverse opinions and constructive criticisms. Reflect on this feedback to refine your project’s objectives and approaches in future grant applications or iterations of the project. Documenting this reflective process and any subsequent adjustments made in response to feedback demonstrates your commitment to continual improvement and can strengthen your position in future funding applications.

Beyond the direct outcomes and data, consider the broader implications of your humanities project. How does your work contribute to larger societal discussions or cultural understanding? Engage with communities, schools, and other public entities to extend the reach and applicability of your findings. Keep an eye on the long-term effects and potential for your project to inspire further research or cultural initiatives. Building a narrative that connects your work to wider historical or cultural contexts can deepen its impact and relevance, creating lasting value from your grant funding. Always be prepared to adapt your strategies based on both successes and challenges, ensuring your humanities projects remain vibrant and significant.