Funding advice
Completing an application form
Although each funder will have individual requirements, there
are some general points which are worth considering when completing
any application:
1. Read the funding criteria
carefully before deciding whether to apply. Most funders
have very clear ideas about exactly what they want to fund, when,
and how. It is understandable that groups which are desperate for
cash may be tempted to seek any funds which may be on offer.
However, you must consider whether by meeting the funding criteria
this could undermine your group's own priorities and prevent the
development of the services which are really needed by the
community.
2. Make sure you think through
exactly how the project will be managed and how the work will
progress. Funders need to be convinced that the applicant
can properly manage the funding applied for and can deliver the
services indicated, and you will jeopardise your chances if you are
not able to demonstrate this in the application.
3. Make sure you are clear about the
funding conditions, and that you are able to meet these.
Most funders will ask you to enter into a funding agreement which
is legally binding, and you need to fully appreciate the
obligations placed upon your organisation, and the rights you have
in relation to the funder.
4. Funders are increasingly likely
to ask you what difference your service will make to people’s
lives. Therefore, you need to think carefully about the
outcomes you feel you can realistically achieve, and a timetable
for their achievement within the lifetime of the funding
period.
5. It is essential to have a
credible exit or succession strategy for the project.
Funding is short-term, and is rarely provided for more than three
or four years. Funders are increasingly reluctant to renew funding
agreements, so you should not rely on re-applying to the same
funder.
6. Make sure you answer the question
that the funder is actually asking, and answer all the questions
clearly, directly and succinctly. It is surprising how
many application forms are submitted which are incomplete, or where
irrelevant information is provided. On the application form, it’s
worth taking some time to think about what the funder is really
getting at when asking the questions. If you are inexperienced in
applying for funding, it is worth seeking advice. BVSC may be able
to help, or someone from another organisation which has already
been successful.
7. Make sure you provide any
evidence which can support your application. Funders look
for data which justifies the need that your project will
address.
8. The financial details you provide
must be complete and correct. Make sure you enclose all
supporting information/documentation which is required, such as
audited accounts.
9. Deadlines for applications are
becoming shorter and shorter. This means that you will
need to take measures to: (a) be up to date with funding news, and
(b) be in a state of readiness to apply. It is very difficult to
keep track of all the funders and their various programmes. BVSC
and LVSC provide information, as do these web pages, and it is
important that you try and identify the funders which are relevant
to your work and keep up with their funding programmes.
This page was last updated on 10/29/2007