bfunded - Social Enterprise - Applying

What makes a good funding application?

It's important to make a good case, in other words sell what you do! See marketing and promotion pages for help.
Remember that funders need to know:

• Who is applying (Are they experienced in this line of work? Can they deliver? Are they accountable to anyone? Is there a risk they'll run off with the money?).
• What you want to do (an outline of the project / business plan).
• Who will benefit and how.
• Why you want to do it (proof of demand and need). Demand is whether the people supposed to benefit from your work really want the activity or service you intend to provide (the project). Need is why this work should take priority over the other claims on the funder's money - why is it important? And why can't these people fund it themselves?
• How much it will cost (backed up by a budget).
• How all this relates to the funder's own priorities.
• Applications need to be easy to read and concise.
• Always read an application form (and particularly the guidelines) before you start, so you know what all the questions will cover.
• Work out your own budget before filling in that part of the form and keep your working notes, in case they ask questions on how you came up with the figures.

If you're unsuccessful, ask for feedback so you can avoid the same mistakes next time.

Where can I get help with completing funding applications?

You may find the 'Help & Advice' pages in the VCS section of the bfunded website helpful when applying to grant funders, http://www.bfunded.org.uk/help_and_advice/applications/

bfunded

Bfunded has two Funding Support Officers who provide third sector organisations with funding information, advice and assistance.

Chris Light is based at Bradford CVS, tel: 01274 722772, Email: chris@bradfordcvs.org.uk
and Lynn Leadbeatter at Keighley VS, tel: 01535 665258, Email: lynn@keighleyvs.org

Training courses

CVS Training

CVS Training run courses on funding and fundraising for VCS organisations, as well as on commissioning and procurement. Their training programme can be accessed at, http://www.bradfordcvs.org.uk/training.htm

fit4funding - The Charities Information Bureau

fit4funding offer training through CVS Training but also elsewhere in West Yorkshire for those able to travel. Their Training Programme is on Website: www.fit4funding.org.uk

ATL in Bradford

ATL in Bradford also run training on successful tendering for businesses. Their events calendar can be accessed at, www.atlenterprise.co.uk

Other Help

Further help is available from local support organisations and agencies.