Regional education initiative
Turning double rejection into approval
Context
Two rejections on KPIs and theory of change — we reframed impact and secured approval.
Problem
Reviewers flagged weak KPI framing and an unclear impact model. Indicators were activities, not outcomes.
What we did
Rebuilt theory of change, replaced vanity metrics with SMART indicators, and rewrote the narrative around measurable learning gains. Added co-funding letters.
Result
$42,000 approved with local co-funding commitments from partners.
Lessons learned
- Outcome indicators must survive the “so what?” test for each target group.
- Co-financing letters should state amounts and conditions, not goodwill only.
Client voice
“The difference was night and day — reviewers could see a clear chain from activity to impact.”
— Director of partnerships