How to make a funding application
How to make a funding application
Before you are ready to make a bid for funding, the major things you need to be clear about are:
- You know your ultimate aim: e.g. to improve the lives of elderly people in Poole
- You know what you are going to do: e.g. to fulfil this aim: e.g. to set up a day centre
- You have worked out the tasks involved: e.g. to buy or rent a hall, to hire staff, to buy equipment etc.
- You have worked out the budget which will be necessary to do this.
Write all this down before you start to make applications – it will make your life a lot easier in the long run.
Research who you are going to apply to.
Most funders will state clear criteria for who they can fund – read the small print and make sure you are eligible. Don’t apply if you are not eligible – it’s a waste of your time and theirs (25% of applications go in the bin because they don’t fit the funders’ criteria).
Applying. Funders may give you an application form to fill in or ask for a letter. A few let you phone them first to discuss your need, which can save a lot of time for both you and the funder.
Application forms
- Make sure you answer all the questions – leave some blank and your application may go in the bin.
- Get someone else to read it through before sending off – you are too close to it and can’t see the mistakes you have made. The Funding Adviser is willing to read through applications.
- Send all the supporting documents they ask for – if you don’t they will not consider your application.
- Keep a copy.
(these latter three points also apply to letters of application)
Letters
The following is an idea for how you could structure a letter.
Introduction. A sentence or two saying who you are and how much you want. Say why you are writing to them (rather than anybody else). Say if you are a registered charity.
Who are you? Introduce your group, giving information to convince the funder that you are a solid group likely to run your project well and achieve your aims. If you are an established group, say how long you have been going and describe your track record. If you are new, a lot will have to be shown by the professionalism of your application, but can you say anything about who is involved that would be reassuring?
What is the need you are trying to fulfil? Who will benefit? How can you prove there is a need? Funders like to feel they are solving problems.
Your project. Describe what you intend to do. Prove this is the best way to fulfil the need and that there is no-one else to do it, or explain how it complements other projects. Say how you will measure your success. Give any deadlines.
How much will it cost? To keep your letter down to two sides, it is usually acceptable to have another sheet showing your budget. This should have one column listing all the things you need to pay for, showing realistic figures - do your research, don’t guess round figures. A second column should show where you intend to get the money. It is good if you can show you are raising some money yourselves, by charging for something or by local fundraising, such as events. Say how you will fund the project in future years. It is O.K. to name other funders you are applying to, and it is good to show other funding already promised.
Conclusion. Round your letter off in some way, perhaps by saying “thank you for your time in considering our application”.
Enclosures. Your Trust may state what other documents, if any, it requires. If nothing is said, you should enclose your annual report from last year, and your accounts for the last financial year (if this is possible).
If you get the money. Write and thank the funder promptly. Keep them in touch with your project’s success. You are aiming to build a relationship with them, in the hope they will give to you again. Funders like groups they know, and groups they know they can trust to deliver.
If you get more than one lot of money for the same thing. It is acceptable to apply for funding to several funders at one time. Should two of them give you money, write to one of them explaining the situation, offering to give their money back, but also suggesting an alternative way you could spend their money - they will often let you keep it.