Take a deep breath and read these top 5 tips before you start.
1. Make sure you meet the criteria before you start
The “scattergun” approach of sending the same request to different funders rarely works. However good your group is, if you don’t meet the criteria, you won’t be funded. If in doubt, check, and save your valuable time.
Take a look at what the funder has approved before - is your project similar? Some funders have an eligibility quiz all will have clear funding criteria.
2. Go through all the questions before you start
Make sure that you put the right information in the right place – don’t duplicate information or repeat yourself.
If the funder has attached advice notes, read these thoroughly as these will tell you what information they are looking in response to each question.
Short and precise answers will be appreciated by the person reading the application rather than being too long winded - you can always tell them that later!
3. Be factual and avoid grand claims
If we met and I asked what your group did, you probably wouldn’t tell me you enhanced the lives of young people through physical exercise and increased well-being - you would proudly say you ran a successful (insert your activity here) group.
Funders need to know the basics: who you are, what you do, where you meet, how often, how many take part, who they are and where they come from – and then, importantly, why and how you makes a difference in young lives.
Be realistic about these claims and remember you will need to show you achieved them if you get the grant. A weekly discussion on healthy eating will probably not combat obesity in the whole of your region, but it will raise awareness of lifestyle choices and you can monitor this through questionnaires.
4. Ask for what you need – not what you can apply for
A good budget is an indication that you know what you want and why – and that you understand project budgets, so avoid generalised estimates adding up neatly to the maximum you can apply for. Breakdown your costs; such as hourly rates for sessional training or pitch fees, the costs of coaching badges etc., and refer quotes for larger items of equipment or capital expenditure.
5. Get a fresh pair of eyes on it before hitting send
You’ve finished….but before you hit the send button, ask someone to read it through. Did you put xxx and mean to go back to one of the answers? Did you leave out something obvious? Does it make sense? Do the figures add up? A fresh pair of eyes can really help – make sure they’ve also ready the guidance so they know what the funder is looking for. Press send and good luck!
How can Sported help?
Sported can help you with all of the above! Check out our fundraising resources on The Sported Hub and if you want more support, request support with your funding application from a Sported volunteer.
