Behind Our
Selection Process
How do we select the charities?
At the start of each grant cycle, we do a review of the local charity landscape and identify potential charities that fit our criteria. We invite selected charities to submit an application to begin the process.
How do we evaluate the charities?
Our process is broken down into three phases, each of which involves work by the individual members of the assigned Grants team, followed by group discussions of key points and findings. Each team includes a lead and a financial assessor.
A thorough review of all publicly available information on the charity (including Annual Reports and accounts, website, social media and published research), and a half hour call with the ED of potential candidates.
In-depth analysis of information in the grant application (including strategy, finances, impact data, trustees, staffing and fundraising).
Visits/calls with senior management, followed by calls with four specific references (a trustee, funder, volunteer and partner), to give us a broad range of perspectives on the charity.
Given that Impact 100 London is a collective fund operated under the auspices of Prism, the Gift Fund, each of our finalist Charities has also been reviewed and approved by Prism. Prism conducts its own due diligence focussing primarily on governance and Trustees.
What do we look for in charities?
We seek to fund charities that target specific, well-defined groups of marginalised women and girls in London. We look for organisations that truly understand the often complex and individual needs of their beneficiaries, and then develop a strategy and processes to have a meaningful impact on their lives.
Our due diligence focuses on four key areas (using the New Philanthropy Capital Framework):
PURPOSE - does the charity’s mission respond to a well-defined, compelling need?
IMPACT - does the charity achieve results and measure both outputs and outcomes?
PEOPLE - How strong is its leadership and how sound is its governance?
FINANCE - is the charity financially secure?
If you have any questions about the selection process, please contact us.