Complexity-volume matrix
Where does your grantmaking sit, and is your team staffed for it?
Plot your foundation’s grantmaking by complexity & volume
Use this tool to map where your foundation’s grantmaking falls on the complexity-volume matrix. You can then use that complete picture to reflect on your foundation’s grants management staffing to understand if your team is staffed for the type of grantmaking work the foundation conducts.
- Add each of your foundation’s grantmaking areas or portfolios below by selecting the grantmaking volume and complexity, and including a few notes on the complexity of the activities.
- Once a grantmaking area appears on the matrix, drag it to fine-tune its position. Bubbles grow as you move them right (more volume) and shrink as you move them left. Click in a bubble to edit or remove it.
- Once all grantmaking areas are added, review the whole picture. Where on the matrix does most of the foundation’s grantmaking sit? Does the grants management staffing match the complexity and volume of the foundation’s grantmaking?
Highly bespoke
grantmaking complexity
Straightforward
Low volume
grantmaking volume
total number of transactions/touchpoints
High volume
Specialized staff
Specialized staff + advanced technology
Pooled staff
Pooled staff + automation
Add a grantmaking area above,
then drag it into place
Questions to take back to your team
Given where your grantmaking lands, does your grants management team feel appropriately staffed?
Is the foundation struggling more with complexity, with volume, or with both?
How can you use this picture to make the case for additional grants management capacity?
What other tools or data would help you make that case to leadership?