Finding suitable grant opportunities isn’t easy and applying for them isn’t a walk in the park either…
So, to help the process along a bit, here’s a few tips:
- Don’t waste time applying for grants that are not suitable. Most grants have very clear aims and elibility criteria – read them thoroughly.
- Prioritise it! Grant applications are not something you can do by candlelight a couple of hours before the deadline.
- Don’t think you have to fill the word limit. It’s a maximum, not a target!
- Avoid ‘hoping’, eg “it is hoped”, “we hope”. It sounds a bit hopeful, doesn’t it?!
- Keep answers succint and to the point. Assessors don’t have much time for each application and don’t like waffle.
- Proof-read! Or better still, ask someone else to proof-read. You’re unlikely to lose marks for poor English but poor spelling and grammar give a bad impression and you want to make a good impression, right?!
- Be specific. If the question is what is your vision, don’t just list a load of things you’d like to see. Say “My vision is for X group of people to do Y and achieve Z”.
- Always go the extra mile with an answer. If the question is “Who’s going to be responsible for project delivery?”, make sure you include in your answer the individual’s name, job title, qualifications, experience, brief, who they work for and why they were chosen as the lead person for project delivery.
- Think about what other grant applicants are going to say and try and make yours stand out. If the grant is for getting people back into work, don’t simply say that your potential client group is largely from low income backgrounds with few opportunities. This may be true and is definitely worth pointing out, but most other applicants are going to be saying this too. What makes your group stand out? Why is your project better?
- Get a grant assessor to assess your application before you send it in.
Helpful? Email Tom if you would like some help with your grant application. Initial chat is free of charge; if you’d like Tom to help you with your application there is a fee of £400/day or £200 for half a day plus travel costs if applicable.