When your fund goes live on ActionFunder, you’ll start seeing projects appear in your fund dashboard. These are matches—community projects that align with the fund criteria you’ve set. Understanding how matches work will help you get the most out of the platform and ensure your funding creates meaningful impact.
What is a “match”?
A match occurs when a live project on ActionFunder meets the criteria you’ve defined for your fund. These criteria typically include:
- Geographic location
- Focus areas
- Type of beneficiaries
- Organisation type
- Grant amount
Once matched, the project will appear under your fund for review. Matched organisations also receive a notification so they can review their project and ensure it’s still relevant.
Types of matches
There are two ways projects match with your fund:
- Auto-Matches
These are projects that already exist on the platform and match your criteria. They may have been uploaded in a previous funding round but are still active and aligned with your fund.
- Direct Applications
These are new projects that non-profits create in response to your fund going live. Non-profits receive email alerts when a fund goes live that suits their work, and many will apply as the fund deadline approaches.
Are matched projects always up to date?
We ask non-profits to keep their projects current, and they are prompted to update their listings regularly. When a project is matched with a fund, the group is notified and encouraged to check their project is still accurate and appropriate.
However, some older but still relevant projects may appear. If you spot something that seems outdated or already delivered, you can:
- Message the group for clarification
- Reject the project if it’s no longer suitable
Can I reject a match?
Yes, you’re in control. You can reject any matched project that doesn’t fit your aims. The group will be notified, but you won’t need to provide a reason unless you’d like to offer feedback.
Will I keep getting new matches?
Yes! As long as your fund is open, new matches may continue to appear. New projects are regularly added to the platform, and existing ones are updated frequently.
You’ll also likely see more direct applications the closer you get to your fund’s closing date.
Top tips for reviewing matches
- Look at how well the project aligns with your criteria and values
- Consider reaching out via the messaging tool for extra detail
- Don’t hesitate to reject projects that don’t feel like a good fit
- Use your local knowledge and insight to guide decision-making