Preparing for funding success

Funding Search Tips

Be clear about what and who you need a grant for.
Check the funder’s website for up-to-date information.
Read the guidance carefully, including what they will and will not fund.
Read all Frequently Asked Questions if available.
Only contact the funder if you still have questions and they allow contact.
Only apply if the funder meets your priorities.
Plan ahead, as most responses take 4–6 months and sometimes longer.
Remember that most funders have an average amount they fund, not just a maximum amount.
Have a list of at least three funders for the activity or project.
Sign up to funders’ newsletters.
Read case studies or stories to understand what they fund.
If unsuccessful, ask for feedback unless the funder says they do not provide it.

Before applying for grants, contracts, loans, social investment, sponsorship or donations, make sure you have the right foundations in place.

Be clear about the problem or issue you want to solve.
Check whether enough people will use your service or product.
Understand the change or difference you want to make.
Be clear about the services, goods or activities you will deliver.
Make sure you have the right skills to run the enterprise or project.
Check your legal structure and governing document.
Prepare a realistic budget for staff, expenses, activities, bills, equipment and insurance.
Have the right policies and procedures in place, including safeguarding, health and safety, equal opportunities, volunteering, employees and GDPR.
Decide what monitoring information you will collect and how you will evaluate your work.

Check what the funder will and will not fund.
Check whether the funder accepts video applications.
Read all Frequently Asked Questions before contacting the funder.
Use simple language and avoid jargon. If jargon is necessary, explain it.
Show local demand for your activity or project.
Do local research and speak to the people who will benefit.
Submit the application as early as possible before the deadline.
For online forms, copy the questions into a document and draft your answers first.
Keep notes on how you calculated costs and budgets.
Be realistic about the number of beneficiaries.
Keep key documents in one file, including accounts, policies, governing documents, staff list, trustee list and business plan.
Remember that value for money means quality, not always high numbers.