There is no magic formula for fundraising - but there are ways you can improve your chances of success.
A good grant application involves a number of key elements:
- The person whose name is on the application form actually knows all about the project and can answer any questions.
- Ask for a specific amount of money – to put ‘as much as possible’ really isn’t helpful and just shows that the project has not been costed or thought out properly.
- Keep a copy of your application.
- Any money that can be raised locally from sponsored events or activities regardless of how small will help to demonstrate real commitment from the people who will benefit from the project.
- A good, community-led project
- A good case for support - including the evidence gathered
- Credibility of your group/organisation
- The people involved in the project - if the project is aimed at young people, have they been involved in the design and management of the project?
Before applying for funding, check that your organisation and your project fit the criteria – if you are not sure, phone and ask!
Remember: to be successful in fundraising, you need to sell your project and your organisation.
Think Big!! Include the whole of your project. If you are asking for funding for works to a village hall, for example, the management committee may have done various bits and pieces over the last few years which may amount to a few thousand pounds. Describe your project as renovation of the village hall, state that the current project is just one part and that you have already spent x-thousands of your own money or other grants on different parts of the project. This will then act as match funding for the money you are looking for.
Handy Tips
A good way of working out what to say is to imagine you are a member of the judging panel. What would you want to know?
- That the project is the result of a 'real demand', not invented to suit the money available
- That the project is to do with people's needs, not just a lack of something
- That the group applying is the best organisation to tackle/provide this particular problem/issue/project.