Top tips for applying for a grant

You need to have a good project idea first and foremost: something that will appeal to funders and something that is meeting a real need. Make your application stand out by giving the funder all the information that they request. Your project is unique, so let the funder see that!

Read the Fund Guidance:
• Make sure you understand the guidance and what the fund wants
• Make sure what you want to do fits the guidance
• Make sure that your organisation is eligible
• Contact CFFC if you are not sure 01422 349700

Make sure that what you write is easy to understand:
• Make it easy to read, short paragraphs and sentences
• Don’t use acronyms/initials, spell things out
• Don’t use unnecessary or unexplained jargon
• Don’t waffle or include irrelevant information
• Check spelling and grammar
• Get someone to proofread what you have written

Complete all the sections of the Application Form:
• Give enough information to allow the reader to understand your work
• Read the question thoroughly, have you answered it?
• Check each section: remember if the form isn’t completed properly, it won’t be considered.
• Give full contact details, phone, email, address

Include a realistic and costed budget:
• make sure it adds up
• provide all the detail that you are asked to
• be able to justify costs, provide quotes for equipment etc
• don’t forget any costs, apply for what you need
• don’t ask for more than the fund guidance allows

Provide all the documents that we ask for:
• Check the list of documents, make sure you have them
• Contact us if you are not sure- we might be able to help find appropriate evidence to support your application even if you don’t have exactly what has been requested

Support the need for your project:
• What is the evidence of need?
• Why does your project meet that need? Justify your approach
• How will you measure your success?

Allow time to plan and write an application:
• Don’t rush it
• Don’t leave it until the night before the deadline: late applications won’t be accepted.
• Ask for help and guidance if you need it
• The VSI Alliance are there to help you: info@vsialliance.org.uk
• You can also contact CFFC on 01422 349700 grants@cffc.co.uk

DEAL BREAKERS:
Some reasons Applications are turned down:
• The Organisation is not eligible
• The project does not meet the criteria/priorities of the fund: READ THE GUIDANCE
• The application does not explain what you do and why
• The Project will not adequately meet the need
• You haven’t shown that the Project will make a difference
• You haven’t detailed any consultation with the community you want to support
• The budget is incorrectly costed, asks for too much and/or isn’t justified with details of estimates/quotes etc
• The Application form is not completed, there are missing or inadequately completed sections
• You haven’t sent in the required documents (see list on application form)

IF YOUR APPLICATION FALLS INTO ANY OF THESE DEAL BREAKERS THEN IT IS VERY LIKELY THAT IT WON’T EVEN BE CONSIDERED.
PLEASE NOTE: CFFCs Grant programmes are invariably over-subscribed, so any applications that don’t meet the criteria, or aren’t completed properly and fully, won’t be looked at.

Got a question? get in touch grants@cffc.co.uk , rob@cffc.co.uk , rachelb@cffc.co.uk , danni@cffc.o.uk , michelle@cffc.co.uk or phone 01422 349700

DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME, FOLLOW THE TOP TIPS!!