The power of collective change – simplifying and streamlining grant-reporting

Across the global not‑for-profit sector, millions of organisations steward vast resources to advance social good. However, the sector has long operated without a shared standard for financial reporting. This has meant that not-for-profit organisations have had to spend time navigating different national regulations and donor requirements. They also use standards designed for the for-profit sector; –often at the expense of time, clarity, and the actual job at hand.

Less time spent reporting means more time for the work that matters most. This is why, to help simplify processes and increase efficiency, we are implementing the International Non Profit Accounting Standard’s (INPAS) reporting system. Designed to reduce unnecessary administrative burden, the INPAS grant reporting system will free up grantees’ time, capacity, and resources. But, how will this affect our grantees and what will change for them? Not much in fact – Oak’s current grant-reporting categories are already closely aligned with INPAS, so grantees can expect very few changes.  

Nonetheless, INPAS will only deliver its full value if it is adopted beyond Oak. This is why we hope that other funders will also consider adopting INPAS. If all funders streamline their grant-reporting processes and request information in the same format, this will help ensure that not-for-profit organisations are freed up to prioritise impact over paperwork. We will be doing our part to spread the word among our peer funders. Please feel free to share about INPAS with your other funders too.

You can find out more about INPAS here. We also spoke to some of our grantees to find out what they think about INPAS helping to simplify their work. Watch this video to hear what they said.