Many funding applications fail before they're even drafted because they’re written before an organisation is ready. Funders want confidence that a grant recipient can manage, deliver and report on their investment. Before you start writing a funding bid, it's important to make sure your organisation can deliver this by being prepared to apply for, receive and manage grant funding effectively.
In this month's blog, we’ll look at how to put your organisation in the best position for a successful bid.
A Clear Message
You know exactly what your organisation does and why it matters. However, it might not be so clear to a funder. You need to develop a short and simple message, only 1-2 sentences, that summarises your organisation's purpose and impact.
Here are some examples from big charities:
"We carry out world-class research into the prevention, detection and treatment of more than 200 types of cancer." "Together we are beating cancer" - Cancer Research UK
"We’re Europe’s biggest conservation charity and we look after nature, beauty and history for everyone to enjoy." National Trust
"We help thousands of cats and kittens every year through our network of dedicated volunteers, from finding them loving homes to offering advice and support to owners." Cats Protection
Here's a simple but effective formula to get you started: We help [beneficiary], by [what you do] so that [the result].
When a funder understands what you do and why it matters, it's easier for them to visualise how your work aligns with their priorities. With grant programmes receiving such high levels of demand, clearly demonstrating this alignment is more important than ever. It can be the difference between a successful application and one that doesn't make it through the initial Expression of Interest stage.
Cases for Support
A case for support can be a short but informative document focused on a particular funding need. It builds upon your message, but also offers funders something to focus their attention, and their funding, on.
A strong case for support should explain the need for your work, the difference your organisation makes, who benefits, and why funding is required. Having this information prepared in advance of a funding bid can save vital time.
You can use your cases for support by sending them out to small funders with no formal application process or use them as a foundation for a full funding application.
At CBCSS, we recommend developing a separate case for support for each funding theme, programme or project area.
Organisation Documents & Financial Records
How much documentation you need to provide for a funder depends on the type of funding. Statutory funds typically require a lot more documentation due to being public money.
It’s a good idea to have the following documents saved in one, easily accessible place:
Organisation chart
Past three years’ financial accounts
Latest annual report
Articles of association (for charitable companies)
Fundraising plan
A Clear, Defined Ask
Funders are often overwhelmed with applications. Being clear and defined in what you're asking for will help when a grant officer is reading their tenth application of the morning.
Before approaching a funder, you should be able to clearly explain:
What you specifically need funding for
How much funding you're requesting
How the funding will be spent
When the funding will be spent
What match funding you have
The impact the funding will achieve
Funders understand that these details can change, but having a clear plan from the outset gives them confidence in your ability to deliver.
Some applications will have specific forms for you to use, but if they don’t, I’d recommend putting together a:
Budget spreadsheet
Project plan, including a Gantt chart
Risk Assessment
Internal Systems
You can have the best bid writers in the world, but if your organisation’s systems and process work against them it means nothing.
You need to have the following in place:
A clear reporting structure
Approval processes
Delegated authority
Regular internal touch points
A finance system
A system for tracking funding opportunities, deadlines and reporting requirements
Preparing these foundations before you begin applying for funding can save significant time and reduce avoidable setbacks during the application process. More importantly, it helps give funders confidence that your organisation can deliver what it promises.
At CBCSS, we help charities and community organisations strengthen their fundraising foundations, from developing cases for support and funding strategies to improving internal systems and processes. If you'd like to discuss your organisation's current position, I'd be happy to help.