Category Archives: community

How Can I Increase my Chances of Receiving Further Funding?

How can I increase my chances of receiving further funding?

1. Complete monitoring or progress reports fully and in a timely fashion.
One leading funder told me recently that less than 30% of their grantees provide their progress reports on time.

2. Be prepared to go the extra mile.
See getting the money initially as a good start, but work to maintain the relationship, keep your end of the bargain, and look beyond reporting the operational outcomes of your funded work. Communicate how the work contributes to the shared bigger picture/vision that you both have.

3. Be truthful in your feedback, even if things haven’t worked out as well as you’d hoped.
Honesty and a positive commitment to learn from the grant will keep you in a funder’s mind.

4. Make it personal.
If you can, develop a personal relationship with someone in the trust or foundation,
Get in touch well in advance of when you need more funding to find out what their current aims are – don’t just go to them in a crisis.

5. Say thank you.
Acknowledging the support of funders in your own publicity and promotional material is vital.

www.4grants.co.uk
 

Posted in 4grants, community, community grants, grant funding, grants, sport, sports grants
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4Grants Top Grant Funding Tips

4Grants have produced this quick guide to help with grant applications.

The dos

  • READ the guidelines. If you don’t meet a funder’s eligibility criteria, don’t waste your time applying.
  • Do learn as much as you can about a funder before applying and tailor your application to fit. Generic “cut and paste” appeals for support are unlikely to impress.
  • Do remember that there may be restrictions on how funds can be spent. Ensure that you’re clear about all the terms and conditions to which a grant might be subject.
  • Do seek help if you need it. Most funding bodies will be happy to provide assistance if you’re unclear about an aspect of the application process, and many provide detailed guidance on how to apply on their websites or in other literature.
  • Do get someone unconnected with your organisation to read your application. If they can’t understand the case you’re making, you’ll need to think again.
  • Do keep a copy of your application and supporting materials. Not only is this essential if there’s a query or problem with your bid, it will save time when it comes to making your next application.
  • Do keep a file of “supporting evidence”: press cuttings, background research, comments from service users and so on. All can play a vital part in making your case.
  • Do learn from unsuccessful applications. Not all funding bodies will be able to provide feedback, it’s always worth asking.

The don’ts

  • Don’t send masses of documentation. You don’t want your case to be obscured by irrelevant material.
  • Don’t be greedy. While it may be tempting to ask for the largest permissible sum, it’s rarely advisable.
  • Funders may be wary if you ask for the maximum amount without showing how you arrived at that figure and precisely why it’s needed.
  • Don’t forget that processing an application takes time. If your project is time-sensitive, be realistic about how soon any funding might arrive.
  • Don’t play the numbers. Better a few very well targeted applications than blanket appeals.

4Grants – We are always here to provide all the support and help that your organisation requires.

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