Why Funders Are Shifting to the JustFund Common ApplicationTM (Part 3)
In this multi-part series, we look under the hood of our flagship grantmaking solution: The JustFund Common ApplicationTM. In part three, learn how JustFund streamlines the grantmaking process for funders.
JustFund is the nation’s first – and only – grantmaking platform that uses a common application designed to move money quickly to communities that have been historically excluded from traditional philanthropy.
With increased interest in trust-based philanthropy, more funders are moving away from traditional grantmaking toward a reimagined practice that centers the applicant experience. Funders choose JustFund’s technology to offer their applicants a simple experience that ensures applicants spend less time applying for a funding opportunity, and more time focused on their critical work.
The JustFund Common ApplicationTM allows applicants to apply to any funding opportunity they are eligible for, democratizing access to new resources. In addition, all profiles are searchable for donors, philanthropic advisors, and program officers who use JustFund Search to find new groups to fund.
Since 2017, hundreds of foundations, collaborative funds, giving circles, donor networks and regranting organizations have used JustFund to easily design and launch grant cycles using the JustFund Common ApplicationTM.
How it Works for Funders
Built upon the foundation of the JustFund Common ApplicationTM, JustFund Apply is the core product offering funders a range of features to streamline the grantmaking process in one centralized, secure platform.
- Delegate administrative tasks related to applicant support
- Collect and review applications
- Analyze key data about applicants and grantees
- Review and score submissions
- Produce one-click dockets
- Send award and declination letters all in one centralized, secure platform
- Track follow-on funding and aligned funding while amplifying applicants and grantees to other funders
Funders can add up to three questions and up to three attachments for each grant cycle managed on JustFund. Answers may be collected as long-form paragraph responses or multiple-choice. All answers to funders’ supplemental questions and attachments are private to the funder and the applicant.
What Makes the JustFund Common ApplicationTM Different
All JustFund Common ApplicationTM questions are fixed and can not be changed by funders running grant cycles on JustFund. We strive to keep the process streamlined for applicants, but we understand the landscape can change. Funders are welcome to recommend new filter categories if they are working on a focus area or with a specific community that isn’t covered on the JustFund platform.
Benefits for Funders
Funders enjoy a range of benefits when using the JustFund Common ApplicationTM.
Fast Grant Cycle Launch: JustFund’s technology makes it simple and easy for funders to launch and manage their grant cycles, walking them through five key steps.
More Time for Relationships: JustFund’s team supports all applicants with any questions they have about the application platform. JustFund offers regular applicant webinars, has a Help Center with dozens of articles, a chatbot, and dedicated email support to make sure applicants have an easy time applying to a funding opportunity.
Track Follow-On Funding: All applicants applying to a grant cycle will have the opportunity to use their common application profile to apply to any other funding opportunity for which they are eligible. Funders will be able to track all follow-on funding or aligned funding to know how much other funding their applicants successfully raise on JustFund.
Find Aligned Funders: Funders can connect with other grantmakers who fund the same projects, organizations, and funds as they do and collaborate for greater impact.
Analyze Key Applicant Data: Funders can analyze key data from both their grantees and their applicants to better understand who is getting funded and the types of groups applying for funding. This information helps funders streamline future RFPs and know what communities or types of groups they’re missing.
