Funding Tips

  • Know what you require funding for and then look for a funding scheme which will meet your requirements, instead of trying to make your application fit into a funding scheme
  • Read the funding guidance notes and application form in full before you start your application
  • Check that your organisation is eligible to apply to the funding scheme
  • Check that the activity / event you want funding for is eligible for the funding scheme
  • Ask for help – whether it is to identify a suitable funding source or for support to complete the application form. Most funders have a contact name that you can contact for clarifying certain aspects of your application before you submit. Even asking someone who is impartial to read through your application before submission can help ensure the application is clear and can increase your success rate
  • Be realistic – with your costings, timeframe and delivery outcomes / achievements – funders will assess whether the application is achievable
  • Be clear and concise about:
    • What you want to do
    • Why there is a need, what impact will the project have on beneficiaries
    • Who will be delivering it
    • When will it be delivered
    • Where will it be delivered
    • How will you monitor the achievements and outcomes
  • Read the questions and funding criteria carefully to ensure you include the information and detail which the question asked for, using the guidance notes for guidance
  • Be consistent with the information provided throughout the application so the funder can evidently see that you have a clear understanding of the need and how the funding application will address the identified need
  • State the obvious – don’t assume funders will know or understanding your area / project – even if they are aware of what you do, they have to be impartial in assessing applications and can only assess on the information provided within a submitted application
  • Provide accurate cost and budget breakdown for the funding requested – get quotes, don’t forget hidden costs e.g. VAT, delivery etc., ensure you only request funding for costs which are eligible for funding and make sure your sums add up
  • Check the supporting documentation required to be submitted with the application e.g. constitution, accounts, bank statements, specific policies etc. – some funding schemes may not ask for this information initially but you should have it ready to submit when requested
  • Check and recheck that every question on the application form has been answered – even if your response is ‘non applicable’, as failure to provide all the required information can delay you application being assessed or may lead to your application being rejected immediately
  • Make sure your application is signed by authorised signatories, as required
  • Keep a copy of your application before you submit it, for your reference if the funder has any query, so you know exactly what you said you would do and if your application is successful, to help complete future funding applications
  • Don’t miss the application deadline – funders tend to be strict about the closing date and time, so allow for unexpected delays