Some ideas for getting funding Bridget Cass

Needs Why are you looking for funding? To continue an existing service To develop an existing service Because of new demands To develop a new service All of these need to be justified

Research the trusts or foundations: What are their criteria – do you fit them?

Research Research the trusts or foundations: Do they have geographical limits? Do they only fund specific target groups? Do they fund specific priorities? What size of grants do they give? – look at their annual reports – all on the Charity Commission website. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH

Research your funding needs For Core funding What are you doing in the long term about supporting the organisation? Why do you need the funding now? Where else are you looking – do you have a variety of sources – statutory, trust, earned income..

Once you have a list of funders: Research Once you have a list of funders: Talk to them informally – most welcome it! Is this the sort of proposal they would welcome? Find out about their processes – do they have forms? If not what do they need? What are their deadlines? How often do trustees meet.

REMEMBER Fundraising is a slow process AND Funding is a slow process, and most administrators have to work to a timetable SO Allow plenty of time, and let funders know your timescales.

Applying Fill in the forms as accurately as possible – they may seem daft, but they have a reason for them. If you use figures use ones that are realistic – it winds up funders to be total the potential spread is the whole adult population…

Applying Ask for reasonable amounts of money – reasonable to do the job, and in line with the sorts of funding granted. Don’t use jargon Don’t underestimate the knowledge of trustees!

Applying For those funders who don’t use forms: They want to know: About your organisation – a bit of background What you do and what you want to do Why you want to do it How will you do it Who will benefit How much will it cost How much have you raised If it is a service or a publication, will you be charging – how much What will happen at the end of the funding – be realistic Most funders will also want to see your latest annual report and accounts

Once you’ve put in your application Most funders will acknowledge it – read the letter carefully If there are any guidelines to time – take note of them Ask about the stages of the process If you are told that there is a meeting, ask how long after the meeting you will be able to know any decisions

Once you’ve put in your application IMMEDIATELY APPLY TO THE NEXT FUNDER – DO NOT PUT ALL YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET

If you are successful What are the conditions of the grant? Are you able to fulfil them? What sort of reports do the funders want? How often? You now not only have to get on with the project, but also the funder.

Before the end of the grant Find out about final reports Find out if the funder is interested, or expecting to fund other projects Make certain you send all the necessary documents