Top tips
Got an idea? Here are a few top tips to help you on
your way to getting that all important funding...
1. Do your research
What is your project? How will the money be used if you are
successful, how will it benefit the community and what are the
outcomes?
A very important question from a funder’s point of view is how
will you evaluate the project to see if it has been successful. The
funder will want you to publicise the funding and to be able to
monitor the impact of the project they have funded. Be innovative
in your ideas as funders will not give grants for services that
already exist, or where they is no indication of local need.
Remember that the funders know nothing about
you and your project. Make sure you explain things that might seem
obvious to you. Get someone to read your application who doesn’t
know your project, then ask them to describe it back to you. If
they understand your application so will the funder.
2. Ask for help
Ask the Neighbourhood Investment team
or take a look at websites such as Grant net and fit4funding for information
about funding sources. Speak to other groups that have been
successful in fundraising for advice and support.
If you are interested in coming to a funding
workshop please contact a member of The Neighbourhood Investment
team.
3. Identify local sources of funding
This includes Community Foundations and
your local council. Contact these local sources before
applying for larger amounts of funding from other bodies such as
charitable trusts or government funding. There may be less
competition for local sources of funding than from larger
funders.
4. Join local mailing lists
It’s also a good idea to register for local
authority mailing lists - they may provide details of Council
funding that could help your project. Also, it's worth registering
with your CVS (Council Voluntary Services) to receive a mailing
list. They will also be able to provide advice and support for
local groups.