1. Research
Do your homework before you get started! Make sure your organisation’s needs are ones the funder is interested in funding and that your organisation can help them meet their aims. Don’t waste your time by writing to a funder whose criteria you don’t fit.
2. Pick up the phone
If there’s the option to call the funder to get more information before you start writing your application, then do it! Taking them up on the pre-submission call will ensure you have all the information you need while giving you better understanding on whether your goals are aligned.
3. Reflect before you write
Before you start writing put yourself in the funders shoes, what are they looking for? What are their aims and how can your organisation help meet them?
4. Share your story
Make your bid stand out by writing from the heart of your organisation, highlight the need for your services and the great work you can do with their funding.
5. Make sure your needs align
Keep the needs of the funder in mind as you write your application. Reiterate throughout how your organisation will help the funder meet their objectives.
6. Talk to a Trustee
If you’re connected to a Trustee of the foundation, reach out and see if they can offer any advice or have additional information on what the funders aim is for the year.
7. Get someone outside of your organisation to read your bid
Once you’ve written your application get someone who’s not connected to your charity to read it and give you honest feedback. Did they understand why your organisation needs the funds and how valuable the work you do is?
8. Send all the right information
Make sure you send everything the funder has requested along with your application. It’s no good writing a show-stopping bid and being knocked out of the running because you’ve forgotten to send your budget.
9. Get the timing right
Find out when the foundation meets to review applications and get the timing just right – if you don’t have time to put together a winning application then wait until you do. Don’t squander your chance of funding by sending a rushed or poorly-written proposal.
10. Make every application unique!
Writing bids can be tedious but make sure you don’t make the mistake of sending out a mass application to any funder (you think!) will have you. You’re almost certain to upset a few funders by sending in bids that don’t meet their needs.
At Prospecting for Gold, we have over 20 years of experience writing trust and foundation funding applications, for more information on writing a winning bid get in touch with us at info@prospectingforgold.co.uk.