Is Perpetual’s IMPACT Funding Grant Right for Your Organisation? A Step-by-Step Guide with Real-World Insights

Applying for major grants like Perpetual’s IMPACT Philanthropy Application Program (IPAP) can be transformative, but they require thoughtful preparation and alignment with the funder’s goals. This guide will walk you through assessing your fit for this prestigious grant, providing tips and real examples to help illustrate what makes a winning application.

1. Align with Perpetual’s Focus Areas

Perpetual’s IMPACT funding is highly competitive, distributing around $120 million annually across diverse sectors including health, education, conservation, social welfare, and arts. Perpetual’s main focus is supporting impactful projects that drive long-term, measurable community benefits. To increase your chances, assess if your project aligns with their strategic focus on sustainability, measurable change, and community uplift.

For instance, Western Health Foundation received $50,000 from Perpetual to support critical data analysis during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping inform future healthcare strategies nationally. This project aligned with Perpetual’s focus on impactful, research-based health initiatives with a long-term community benefit. If your project aligns with such focus areas, you’re on the right path.

2. Demonstrate Clear Outcomes and KPIs

Perpetual values specific and measurable outcomes. To make your application strong, use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Outline how your project will achieve measurable community benefits and how you’ll track these over time.

For example, a successful applicant could track health improvements by showing reductions in chronic disease rates in a particular community. This could be achieved by tracking pre- and post-program health metrics or specific milestones like attendance rates or skills acquisition. Perpetual appreciates applications that show clear metrics—showing your project’s impact at various stages increases credibility and signals to funders that their investment will yield visible results.

3. Highlight Organisational Capability and Leadership

One of the defining features of the Perpetual IMPACT Grant is its emphasis on organisational governance and leadership capacity. This isn’t just about the project; funders want assurance that your organisation is equipped to manage both funding and project goals effectively.

For example, if your leadership team includes individuals with significant experience in non-profit governance, philanthropy, or relevant project management, highlight these credentials. An applicant in conservation could showcase board members’ expertise in environmental science and policy. For Western Health Foundation, a strong reputation in clinical research and experience in large-scale data analysis gave funders confidence in their ability to execute the project efficiently.

4. Present a Detailed, Transparent Budget

A well-prepared, transparent budget is crucial. Perpetual looks for budgets grounded in real costs, based on quotes or past expenses, with a clear breakdown of how funds will be allocated. Avoid rounded estimates and ensure each figure directly supports your project’s goals.

For instance, if your project involves training healthcare professionals, break down expenses for materials, instructor fees, participant travel, and venue rental, if applicable. If your project involves technology, include specific software costs, licensing fees, or equipment purchases. This level of detail demonstrates fiscal responsibility and thorough planning, which resonates well with funders.

5. Address Project and Organisational Risks

Perpetual’s funding decisions often favor organisations with proactive risk management strategies. Identify three to five risks associated with your project or organisation, and provide clear mitigation strategies.

For example, a community health initiative might anticipate fluctuating participation rates as a risk and develop partnerships with local organisations to secure ongoing referrals. By presenting contingency plans, you demonstrate resilience and strategic foresight, which funders view as vital for long-term success. Projects that acknowledge risks while showing solid management plans stand out in the application process.

6. Knowing When It’s Not the Right Opportunity

Sometimes, recognising that a grant isn’t the right fit is a strategic choice. If your project doesn’t fully align with Perpetual’s criteria—such as a strong focus on measurable outcomes, capacity for strategic implementation, or sustainable impact—it may be better to focus on alternative funding sources. Pursuing grants that don’t align with your organisation’s core competencies can drain resources and increase the risk of an unsuccessful application.

Focusing on the right opportunities ensures you’re dedicating time and effort to applications where you have a solid fit, ultimately improving your success rate and conserving resources for other impactful projects.

Case Studies of Past IMPACT Grant Recipients

Perpetual has supported organisations that bring unique, high-impact projects to life. Here are a few examples:

• Western Health Foundation: As mentioned, Western Health received $50,000 to support its data analysis work during the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed at informing future healthcare strategies. Their ability to demonstrate immediate, evidence-based community benefit made their application compelling. This project showed Perpetual that the grant would be used for critical, time-sensitive public health improvements, aligning perfectly with their health and social welfare focus.
• Arts and Cultural Programs: In past years, Perpetual has funded arts initiatives that aim to preserve cultural heritage or increase accessibility. For example, a grant might support a rural arts education program designed to boost youth engagement in local culture, an initiative aligned with Perpetual’s goals of social enrichment and community well-being.
• Environmental Conservation Projects: Perpetual’s grants have supported conservation organisations working on biodiversity projects, such as restoring endangered habitats or educating communities on sustainable practices. Conservation projects that demonstrate measurable environmental benefits, such as an increase in local wildlife or improvement in ecosystem health, align with Perpetual’s goal of impactful and sustainable environmental change.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Application

Securing Perpetual’s IMPACT Funding requires a well-prepared, strategic approach. Align your project closely with Perpetual’s values, and demonstrate that your organisation has both the vision and the capacity to bring about meaningful, lasting change. This guide provides the framework, but remember, the strongest applications show passion, clarity, and a commitment to measurable results. Good luck with your application!

For more details on Perpetual’s IMPACT Philanthropy Application Program, visit Perpetual’s website.