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Do's and Don'ts For Successful Funding Applications
Jargon Buster
Handy Hints for Successful Funding Applications
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Handy Hints for Successful Funding Applications

• Where possible, use computerised word application forms. These are often supplied by funders and are much easier to complete than handwritten forms. They look much neater, allow practice and are easier for funders to read and appraise.
• Contact the funder as early as possible to ascertain if your project meets their needs, is likely to be supported, and to ascertain if the funder has sufficient funds available to support the project at the levels requested. This can avoid considerable abortive work !
• Answer all the questions. Use bullet points where possible and avoid very long paragraphs which are difficult to digest.
• Remember to get all the necessary signatures: Trustees, referees, contact person etc
• Get someone else to check your application before you send it. Do all the figures add up? Do other people understand it?
• Keep the application form clean and tidy. Are there any spelling mistakes and is the writing legible? Use spellcheck on word documents, but don't forget to read the application thoroughly - there can still be mistakes.
• Include all the requested supporting material. For example annual report and accounts, relevant job descriptions, budgets, any building permissions, leases, letters of support, information on match funding, constitutions etc
• Provide the funder with a clear point of contact. Make sure that others within your organisation know about the application and can answer funder's questions if necessary.
• Keep copies of any completed application before you send it. Make sure any copy or copies are kept in an easily accessible place so if you are not there others can discuss the application.
• Leave a checklist of bullet points at the front of the application so others in your organisation can answer questions about it if needed.
• Deal with any funder's requests for more information immediately.
• Keep the funder informed. If your circumstances change during the course of the application or immediately after sending it off - tell the funder immediately do not wait for them to find out.
• Meet deadlines! Allow yourself plenty of time and do not leave everything till the last minute! Do not expect funders to be sympathetic to late applications, they often cannot even consider applications that have missed key deadlines !!!