Our review process

The path through a budget review

A transparent nonprofit grant application budget review process from confidential scoping through findings, discussion and revision.

Quiet professional review room with a long table

1. Scope the question

You share the funder, deadline, approximate request value and stage of drafting. We identify the documents required, confirm reviewer availability and send a written scope. This first exchange is also where we flag a deadline that does not allow a responsible review.

2. Receive a clean document set

Files are transferred using an agreed secure method. A normal set includes the funding call, programme narrative, budget workbook, justification and relevant cost guidance. We ask you to remove beneficiary personal information and disclose any formulas or tabs that are intentionally locked.

3. Read in two directions

The first pass moves from activities to costs: what people will do, where, how often and with what resources. The second moves from each material budget line back to the programme and narrative. This two-way trace exposes orphan costs and unfunded activities.

4. Return ranked findings

Comments identify arithmetic or rule-based corrections, factual questions for your team, and suggestions that would improve a reviewer’s understanding. Significant issues are summarised first. We do not overwhelm a sound draft with cosmetic preferences.

5. Discuss and revise

The included call focuses on decisions, not a recital of every comment. Your team retains the source files and makes final changes. Where commissioned, a brief second pass checks agreed revisions; it is not a new review of an expanded application.

Ready to set a review window? Tell us about the application.