How to write up a good application

With a high volume of applications expected (we had 230 in the last round) there are things you can do to make it easier for the Grants Panel to say ‘yes’ to your application.

Read ALL of the supporting documents BEFORE you start your application.
If after you’ve read them you have questions contact the Grants Manager or Grants Co-ordinator

Make sure that your project fits with the criteria and that you can answer all the questions honestly.

  • If you can’t then it might be that your project doesn’t fit and it might not be worth the time and effort submitting an application.
  • Use the guidelines when writing your application they are there to help you make the best application possible.

Write in plain English.

  • Avoid jargon and acronyms.
  • Keep it simple – avoid overly complicated explanations.
  • Ensure that you’ve explained the What, Who, Why, When, Where & How of the project.
  • Make it easy for the grant panel to say ‘Yes’ to your application.

Make sure your figures add up.

  • Check and triple check that your budget adds up.
  • Do the maths and get someone else to check if you’re unsure.
  • Make sure that you’ve given a rationale for the budget. Explain day rates for staff and costs for volunteers.

Answer ALL of the questions on the form.

  • If a question doesn’t apply to your organisation or project write N/A (not applicable)
  • Do NOT refer to an attached document for the information.
  • If you omit information on the form that is required your application will be ineligible.

Be Succinct

  • Try to tell the story without repetition or deviation. Stick to the facts and say it only once.
  • Read through the application form before you start to complete it to make sure that you are not repeating information. i.e. in the project description you don’t need to say how you will evaluate the project as there is a specific question regarding this.

Use Facts and Figures to illustrate past achievements.

  • Include the budget and number of people reached and time frame for the past project.
  • State in which borough the project was run.

Make it sound exciting.

  • We want people to be able to take part in interesting and exciting projects, not the run of the mill stuff that is available year in year out.
  • This is not about funding your regular programme of events, it’s about having the opportunity to do something new.

Provide ALL the documents that are requested.

  • Do not omit something because you don’t think it’s important.
  • If you don’t have the documentation asked for, check with the funder before you apply.
  • If you submit an application with documentation missing it might result in your application being classed as ineligible.

Send your application form and supporting documents BEFORE the deadline.
Applications received after 5pm on 28th October are ineligible. This is a strict deadline.

Top Tip
Get someone who doesn’t know your organisation or the project to read through the application form before you submit it. Make sure it’s someone who will be honest with you. If they don’t understand something in your application, it might be that it’s not clear enough and you should think about re-writing it.