Applying for Funding - a MailOUT article

This edited article is re-produced with permission from the thetoolkitnet, a Manchester based information resource managed by Community Arts North West.
 
Different funding bodies will fund different types of projects and in different ways but some tips ring true no matter who you are trying to extract monies from, a key tip is to imagine that you're the poor person who's got to sift through a great big pile of applications and make recommendations and decisions The application process has several stages:

• Researching and targeting funders
• Reading the guidelines
• Reading the questions
• Writing the application
• Providing all additional information
• Addressing the application

1. Researching and targeting funders

We give below details of the four national UK arts councils and Awards for All. Keep a regular eye on MAiLOUT's funding page which highlights a range of general and specific funding opportunities. Think about going back to any past or existing funders. Did you spend the grant properly? Was the money used well? Did you get any positive feedback from the funder about your achievements? If so, they may well be happy to fund you again.

2. Read the guidelines

Before you submit an application it's best to telephone a potential funder, to check that your organisation and project are eligible to apply to them. You can usually get hold of guidelines and application forms this way. If you already have a copy of the guidelines you should talk to funders about the eligibility of your project at this point. Points to check are: Do you have to be a registered charity? Is your group organised in the right way (do you need a constitution, management committee? etc) Can the funds be used for what you need to spend money on (equipment, wages etc?) Is your group or activity in the list of exclusions? With the guidelines, you will usually get notes on what the funder particularly wants to fund -their aims or priorities You need to make sure that your project meets their aims in some way. This means that you highlight the aspects of your group and/or project that best meet the funder's aims.

3. Read the questions

Make sure you read, and understand, what the funder - wants and how they want it presented. If you are applying to a trust or foundation, there may be no application form and you only need to write a letter. However, the guidelines will list the points you have to put in your letter, so the following information still applies. Before beginning to write, read through the whole form or list of questions. This will give you an idea of what should go in each section. Information about your organisation should be presented as the funder has requested. They ask specific questions, and want specific answers, not other inappropriate information.

4. Write the application

Make drafts - don't begin writing on the original application form until you have completed your final draft. You will need several drafts of your application before the final version is ready It is a good idea to ask colleagues or advisers to look at your drafts to get independent feedback. Sell yourself - before you begin to write, remind yourselves that throughout the application you have to keep certain things in mind. In general you have to show funders that:

• Your organisation and project meet their funding aims
• There is a clearly defined need
• Your project effectively meets this need
• You have links with other organisations and you don't work in isolation
• You are capable of managing the money properly
• You have thought in advance about how you will measure the impact of your work

 As you write, keep in mind the funder's priorities. Keep saying bow you meet them. Sell success, be positive about your achievements and show yourself in a good light. Be honest about difficult issues, but show a positive side where you can.

Tips for a good application:

• Answer all questions fully 
• Use simple language
• Do not use jargon
• Use short sentences.

5. Provide all information requested

A common reason why applications are turned down is because additional information that was asked for has not been sent. Funders usual!y ask for:

• A constitution or set of rules
• A budget
• Some kind of accounts

There may be more - read the guidelines and application form to check.

Funders may reject your bid immediately it you do not send everything asked for.

6. Address the application correctly

Last but not least. You may well be sending your 3 application directly to the person who decides on your grant, and the first impression is crucial. It is vital that you get the name, title and address of the person and organisation you are applying to right.

Getting them wrong suggests that you do not care about your relationship with the funder and are sending out lots of applications without taking the time to research funders properly.

Getting these details right gives the impression that you are a well-organised group who pays attention to detail - the kind of group funders like to support. You have now already improved your chances of success, before the funder even reads your application.