We know it can seem daunting at first when drafting a grant application. That’s why we have this step-by-step how-to guide to help.
Start by confirming what projects you want to receive funding for. Create physical evidence of meetings discussing the potential projects due to start.
Sounds simple right? This is the foundation for your application, and it is important to be clear on your goals. I’m sure you will all have plenty on your wish lists; from top of the range Eurotramp Ultimate trampolines, to building maintenance if you are a purpose-built facility. Start a wish list for all your needs and then prioritise.
Before writing a bid for funding you will need to do some data collection of your company structure, finances, project costing and the expected benefit once the project is completed. It is also a good idea to note any past experiences you have had with handling large sums of money.
The individual tasked with writing a bid needs to know every detail about the company, otherwise holes will begin to appear in your application which can be an instant dismissal of your bid.
Having proof of input by the project’s intended users will improve your credibility and show that the community really do want this project to go ahead.
Include any modifications that have been suggested or implemented and what differences they will make to your organisation. As well as gathering information on your own organisation, it is wise to know your competitors, local or nationwide, and what they are doing in similar areas to you.
You’re probably getting worried that your bid isn’t going to be successful already. Relax. Your bid doesn’t have to be perfect; it just must be better than the others sent in. It should be noted that funders often complain about not getting nearly enough good proposals and so end up giving out money to some below average projects.
Accepting that you are likely to lose bids more often than win them will make the process less stressful.
Sending off your first draft of a bid is not going to give you the best opportunity of being accepted. Taking time to run through many versions of your bid will increase your odds by reducing the unnecessary waffling and boosting valuable, useful information.
When you have finally sent off your proposal, don’t sit around waiting. Get applying to other funders for help, but make sure you create each bid individually as different boards are looking at different criteria to be met.
Often bids come unstuck when it can’t be explained why a grant is needed, rather than using company reserves. Make clear what those reserves are being saved for i.e. emergency building repairs not covered under and insurance policy. Explanations do not have to be within the bid itself but do need to be written up and referred to in your budget, so the reader knows you have made considerations and liability covers prior to starting your project.
We’ve all come up with an award-winning idea in the past that we are sure will win the hearts of the population. We are fully behind it until someone comes along and ask those horrible questions you have no answers to because you never anticipated them. A review board will have the project ending questions waiting, so answer them before they’re asked.
How? Share your idea with people inside your community and out but making sure you don’t give away any confidential data. Someone out there will find a problem in your ideas but better them than the people with the money. Funders will be looking for a project that lives on so if you can provide them with the opportunity to see how sustainable you are going to be, do so.
It is important that the language used within your bid is universally understood and is aimed to be inclusive of all demographics. Some boards will be made up of graduates fresh out of university, others will be in their late stages looking to do something good with their funds. Keep things basic and comprehendible, and your bid is much more likely to get accepted. Be direct without using supposed common assumptions as these can often be completely lost on the readers.
Your bid can’t be too long otherwise those reading it will switch off and turn to another bid to read instead of yours. If there is no template application form supplied your bid should be kept to a maximum of three A4 pages.
Two of these pages should be reserved for your written bid and one for your budget. Make use of frequent headings so the reader can find the answer to their questions in the shortest time and keep these headings simple.
Don’t fluff up titles, it does nothing but delay the reader a little bit more. A good target to aim for would be having each of your paragraphs between four or five lines deep to keep the reading fast, present and easy. Try to stay below 15 words per sentence and don’t put jokes in. Being comical without causing offence is a tough skill to master.
Only the very best words will do. If there are better words, then change them. If words are unnecessary, take them out.
Throughout writing your final bid remember why you are doing it. It’s not just to get more money, the funding your fighting for is to facilitate good changes that benefit all that use it. So make sure to consider the following definitions…
Outputs – are the things that you wish to deliver
Outcomes – are the changes that results from what you do
Impact – the wider developments that rise from your outcomes
By keeping these ideas at the forefront of your mind, your bid will turn from a simply request for more money into a genuine action for the community you serve.
It is likely that your first few bids will be rejected, and this is normal so don’t feel disheartened. Instead, create an opportunity from rejection to learn how to write a better bid. Most review boards will provide feedback on your bid but if they don’t, ask!
You can only improve by understanding what went wrong the first time.
Securing a successful grant can transform your sports program, providing the funding needed for equipment, facilities, and training.
Don’t let the grant application process hold you back! Get expert guidance tailored to your needs—reach out to us today.
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