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Hints and Tips

1. It is essential to always read the guidance notes first before you start to fill in the application form.  The guidance notes often provide useful information to help you complete the form.
2. Check that your organisation is eligible to apply for funds, for example some funds are only open to registered charities.
3. Check that your project is eligible and clearly explain in the application why funding is being sought – for example, a funding theme might be healthy lifestyles so think about the wider benefits of you project which could be improving self esteem, developing leadership skills and improving physical fitness.
4. Plan your project.  This will save time, money and many future problems.  Also some funders (e.g. Sport England’s Small Grant programme) like to see evidence of the plan when you apply.  Therefore ensure you have a clear vision of what you want to do and how and why you want to do it.
5. Assume nothing other than the funder has no prior knowledge of your club/group, sport, local area or project activity.
6. Avoid jargon.
7. Ask someone not associated with the project to read the completed application and ask for their feedback.
8. If you have any queries regarding the fund, contact the funder for their advice.
9. Demonstrate that your project provides added value, sustainability and specific outcomes which will be achieved over the project duration.
10. Many funders want to see SMART outcomes or outputs.  If the funder asks for this ensure that your project is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and is within a Timeframe.  For example “to set up a girls section and recruit 20 girls by working with local schools over the next 12 months”.
11. Be as creative and innovative as possible with your project ideas as funders are often oversubscribed.  Therefore your project needs to stand out in some way.
12. Remember you are trying to “sell” your project idea to the grant funder.  Provide a strong case and enough information for them to want to fund your project.  Put yourself in their position and think whether you would support the project from the information you have provided.
13. Ensure that all the supporting information requested is sent with your application.