Academy
9 min read
Grant Evidence Gap Analysis Sprint 2025
Evidence gaps undermine even the best narratives. This two-week sprint gives your team a structure to audit current data, prioritise gaps, and deliver the proof funders demand.
TL;DR
- Audit evidence against the requirements in your readiness checklist.
- Use Crafty to store refreshed testimonials, metrics, and evaluation findings.
- Feed sprint outputs into the narrative storyboard and onboarding sprintso knowledge stays current.
Sprint structure
- Days 1–2: Scope target grants and assemble current evidence inventory.
- Days 3–5: Score each evidence item for freshness, quality, and availability.
- Days 6–9: Close priority gaps (collect data, commission surveys, gather testimonials).
- Days 10–12: QA new evidence, ensure consent captured via the consent workflow.
- Days 13–14: Upload to Crafty, update the evidence bank, and brief stakeholders.
Prioritisation matrix
Use this matrix to prioritise gap closure.
| Evidence item | Grant dependency | Urgency | Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 outcomes report | National Lottery renewal | High (deadline 6 weeks) | Impact lead | Drafting |
| Parent testimonials | Trust-based philanthropy report | Medium (deadline 10 weeks) | Comms lead | Consent requested |
| Cost-benefit analysis | Innovation loan proposal | High (deadline 4 weeks) | Finance manager | In progress |
Next steps and downloads
Download the audit template, sprint board, and evidence request scripts. Store them in Crafty so every major bid starts with the same sprint.
Action plan
- Kick off the sprint eight weeks before your next flagship submission.
- Assign a sprint lead and set stand-up cadence (twice weekly).
- Archive outputs in Crafty to keep prompts and evidence fresh.
Key takeaways
- Evidence sprints prevent last-minute scrambles and raise success rates.
- Prioritise based on deadline and strategic value.
- Link refreshed evidence to Crafty and reporting calendars for continuity.
Summary and next steps
Treat evidence maintenance like any other critical asset. Run this sprint before major bids, refresh quarterly, and share insights with trustees via the oversight pack.
- Schedule the next evidence sprint in your reporting calendar.
- Track progress and blockers in your pipeline review meeting.
- Celebrate wins when evidence upgrades fuel successful bids.