Who’s Winning Grants – and What They’re Doing Differently

By Janine Owen, Founder and CEO of Grant’d 

Every year, billions of dollars in grants are distributed across Australia – from federal and state programs to corporate, philanthropic, and regional funding. Yet for every successful application, there are hundreds (and sometimes thousands) that don’t make it through. 

So, who’s actually winning grants right now? And what are they doing that others aren’t? 

I’ve seen thousands of applications, from community organisations and social enterprises to startups and larger businesses, and clear patterns emerge. The organisations and founders who consistently win funding don’t just write better applications. They think strategically, align with funding priorities, and treat grants as part of a long-term growth strategy.

Here’s what sets them apart.

 

1. They build before they apply
2. They align their mission with the funder’s agenda
3. They measure what matters
4. They use technology to stay ahead
5. They think long-term 

 

1. They build before they apply 

The most successful applicants start long before they hit “submit.” They’re not waiting for the perfect opportunity to appear; they’re already funding-ready. 

That means: 

• Clear goals and measurable outcomes 

• A well-defined project plan 

• A realistic budget 

• Evidence of capability and delivery
   

When a grant opens, they can quickly align their work to the funder’s criteria. Meanwhile, less-prepared applicants scramble to retrofit their ideas into opportunities that don’t quite fit. 

Grant’d tip: Build a funding readiness kit — your go-to folder with your organisation profile, ABN/financials, capability statement, project plan, and team bios. It’ll save you hours later. 

 

2. They align their mission with the funder’s agenda

Winning grants means more than good writing. It’s about strategic alignment. 

Funders have agendas. Their job is to distribute money that achieves specific outcomes, like innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, inclusion, or regional growth.

Your job is to show how your project contributes to those outcomes. 

When applicants say, “we need funding to market our idea,” that’s not enough. A funder doesn’t fund “marketing.” They fund growth, expansion, and jobs. 

For example: 

• “Marketing” → “Driving export growth and new market entry” 

• “Software development” → “Digitising operations and enhancing industry productivity” 

• “Community workshops” → “Building local resilience and creating pathways to employment”
   

Winners speak the language of impact, not just activity. 

Grant’d tip: Every funding opportunity is shaped by policy. If you follow the Federal Budget, state strategies, and ministerial priorities, you’ll see where funding is headed 6–12 months before programs launch. 

 

3. They measure what matters

The best applications go beyond outputs (“we’ll deliver 10 workshops”) to outcomes (“we’ll train 100 people and help 30 into new jobs”). 

Funders want to see tangible social or economic value, and confidence that you can track and report on it. 

The most competitive organisations integrate data collection and impact reporting from the start. They can easily quantify their outcomes when applying or acquitting.

 

4. They use technology to stay ahead

 Successful applicants don’t rely on luck or late-night research; they use systems and tools to keep their funding pipeline organised and opportunities visible.

Whether it’s tracking upcoming programs, setting alerts for new grants, or managing documentation in one central place, they make technology work for them.   

This gives them more time to focus on what really matters: refining their strategy, building strong partnerships, and demonstrating impact.  

Grant’d tip: Explore tools that help you centralise your grant search and management. The goal isn’t just efficiency — it’s freeing up time to focus on the strategic work that drives funding success. 

 

5. They think long-term

Winning one grant is great. But the real magic happens when organisations create a funding pipeline, planning 6–12 months ahead and aligning multiple grants across growth stages. 

That’s how small projects become sustainable programs and startups scale faster without relying entirely on investors.

 

Takeaway

The businesses winning grants aren’t chasing everything; they’re choosing strategically. They understand policy, stay prepared, and align their projects with the outcomes funders care about most. 

And the result? Less chasing, more winning.

 

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About Grant’d  

Our mission is to make that process easier – giving you the AI tools, insights, and community to find, manage, and win grants with confidence.  

 

About the author

Janine Owen is the Founder of Grant’d – Australia’s first AI-powered grants platform, built to help businesses, charities and community organisations find and win funding faster. 

With over 20 years’ experience in fundraising and more than $100 million raised for some of Australia’s most impactful organisations, Janine now leads Grant’d with a mission to make grants more accessible, strategic, and human. 

Learn more at grantd.com.au