How to Prove Your CIC’s Impact and Secure More Funding

Funders want to know: What difference has your project made?

If your CIC has received – or is applying for – National Lottery funding, proving your impact is critical. Funders want to see clear evidence that their investment is making a tangible difference in communities. A strong evaluation can help you secure future funding and showcase your work effectively.
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3 Ways to Prove Your Impact

​1. Align Outcomes with Your Funding Application

• Revisit your original project goals—have you met them?
• Use before-and-after data to demonstrate change.
• Example: If you aimed to improve mental wellbeing, don’t just say “Our project helped people.” Instead, show:

“80% of participants reported reduced anxiety after attending our support sessions.”

2. Use Stories & Numbers Together

• Combine quantitative data (surveys, statistics) with qualitative insights (case studies, testimonials).
• Example:
  • Quantitative: “We delivered 50 workshops, with 300 attendees.”
  • Qualitative: “One participant told us, ‘This course helped me find a new job and regain my confidence.’ 

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 3. Capture Unexpected Impacts

• Funders love to hear about unplanned positive outcomes.
• Did your project inspire another initiative? Strengthen community ties? Lead to unexpected skill-building?

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Need Help Structuring Your Impact Report?

A clear, compelling evaluation increases your chances of securing future funding. If you’re struggling with reporting, Research Your Way provides expert evaluation support for CICs.
Email us today at [email protected] to find out how we can help!