Writing funding applications

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Keep the application short

An application letter should be no longer than two sides of A4. Keep the sentences short. Use active language, e.g. ‘our scheme helped 200 users in six months’ not ‘in six months, 200 users were helped by our scheme’

Give the funder what they want

If the funder has a set format for applications, follow it. Make sure you provide every piece of information they ask for.

Tell the funder who you are

Briefly explain a bit about your organisation’s background, aims and activities early on in the application. If you are new to the funder, show them they can trust you. Provide press clippings and endorsements. Tell them about notable members or supporters. Refer to the support you have received so far.

Describe the problem…and your solution

Offer enough information for someone completely new to the issue.

• what is the issue? 
• why is it a problem? 
• what will you do to address it? 
• what will you not be able to do? 
• what difference will the donation make? 
• how will you measure success?

Ask for funding for a project

Funders like to give money to something tangible and new. They are reluctant to fund vague ‘administration costs’. Even if you are continuing existing work, try to present it as a specific project. Put it in a timeframe. This helps you set a deadline for results. 

Be positive in your application

Use positive language. Talk about what will happen when you get the money. This will help the funder feel confident that you can make a difference. It also helps you show that your project does not begin and end with this application.

Offer a human story

Try to include case studies of people you have helped or plan to help. This lets you show the impact of your work.

Avoid jargon

Keep the language simple so an outsider can understand the issues. Only use jargon if the funder has used the terms themselves.

Offer evidence for your cause

Support any claims you make with evidence. Provide enough to back up specific statements. You can send extra evidence, relevant promotional materials, annual reports etc. along with the application.

Ask for money

This is very important.  When asking for money you could:

• ask for a specific lump sum or an amount over a period of time
• use the value of previous donations as an example
• state your overall target and how you are hoping to reach it
• offer a shopping list explaining the cost of individual parts of the project.

Provide a budget

The budget should explain how the money will be spent on the project. Include all the relevant costs. If possible show how you determined the costs. 

Check, check and check your application again!

Get someone outside the project to read your application before sending it. They can look for errors and inconsistencies and ask for explanations.

Futher help

• FREE StudyZone course - how to write a winning funding bid.
• How to write an application to a charitable trust guide
  

For sources of funding, visit NCVO's Funding Central site.

Article source

Published with permission from the Directory of Social Change.