Writing an application for funding can sometimes feel like a huge challenge. To help you get it right, we asked Michelle Friel-Martin, Head of Fundraising & Development at New Vic Theatre, to share her expert tips with Artsbank.
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Match your bid carefully to what the funder asks for
Rather than starting with what your priorities are, follow very carefully the criteria that the funder has set out – match your proposal to what they have asked for in the order that they have asked for it. It will look familiar and easy to read to them, which is a great start.
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Need, solution and cost
These are essentially the three elements required for any funding bid. Ensure that any new project or proposal has these three elements at the start of a project proposal and you can adapt to the information to variously worded criteria.
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What’s your USP? (unique selling point)
Demonstrate how your project or idea will tackle a problem in a creative or innovative way. You will be able to find the USP (unique selling point) – this could be a a unique community setting, a very local issue, a totally new way of looking at a problem. You need to demonstrate in your bids how your project will tackle an old problem in a refreshingly effective way.
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Find the local priorities:
Most funders want evidence that you actually know what the priorities of your ‘Local Strategic Partnership’, the local authority and other local strategic bodies are. Research what the local and national government say about your area – keep this in a file as you will use it again and again to evidence the need in your area and demonstrate how your projects matches local priorities.
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Making friends
Always contact the funder first and ask if you can explain your project to see how it fits, before completing the application. This shows the funder you are keen, are using initiative, offers the opportunity for valuable feedback BEFORE you submit, and most importantly, it enables you to build a relationship with the funder and for them to become familiar with your group. Invite local funders / trustees to any events or project visits that you can –if they don’t reply or come, keep on inviting. Make the invites relevant to their work/priorities.
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Find out what your community needs
Do not assume that you know what your community needs. Putting in an application without properly assessing community needs and finding out what you target groups want is one of the biggest mistakes community groups can make. You need to demonstrate that you have undertaken relevant consultation, including with hard to reach groups and use quotes and decisions from these groups as evidence.
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Make sure the sums add up
Budgets that don’t add up or make sense to funders is one of the biggest reasons for applications being rejected. Find a clear format that clearly states:
- Direct costs (salaries, artists fees, travel etc)
- ‘In-kind’ costs (support from a venue, volunteer time, free space etc)
- Confirmed cash funding
- Outstanding funding/plans
Check and then double check that the sums add up!
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Be clear about your vision
How does this project contribute to the overall vision and objective of your group? If it doesn’t fit with your vision, why are you doing this?
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Build relationships
Start attending networking events with voluntary and community groups in your area (e.g. VAST, Staffs Community Foundation). They hold events where you can meet local and national funders in one place at one time, which is a good use of time. If the opportunity arises, don’t hesitate from partnership working with other charities and groups.
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And finally
Ensure that your organisation’s finances are properly managed and that there is no room for poor accounting. Every funder will want evidence of this, for every application.
Good luck!
Written by
Michelle Friel-Martin
Head of Fundraising & Development at New Vic Theatre
Image: Funny Peculiar by Red Herring, The Big Feast 2015, Andrew Billington Photography
