As an ongoing funding source, grant income can be one of the most difficult to predict.

With successful applications depending on the pool of funds available, the funder’s objectives for that particular round, and the personal goals of those responsible for allocating funds, it’s rarely ever a certainty that any grant application will be successful.

With grant applications taking a substantial amount of time to complete and with the income available usually significant to the charity, you must give yourself as much chance as possible to complete a favourable application for your project.

To maximise the chance of funding success, here are six non-negotiable elements that every grant application should include.

  1. The benefit to the community

A grant application may fail to attract the attention of the funders if it focuses solely on the project features rather than the benefits.

Of course, explaining what the project is and does is important, but what the funder really wants to know is how it helps them achieve their broader mission. 

Include case studies and figures based on the charity’s previous work and explain how the funding will help improve this to benefit the community. Cross-refer this data with the funder’s goals which are included in the application guidelines to make sure you’re meeting criteria that will help achieve their vision. 

2. Accurate financials

A trustee or foundation will want to see down to the last cent that you’re financially secure and savvy enough to deliver the project and sustain it into the future. With so many worthy charities vying for the same dollar, there’s no room for a funder to make an unwise choice on where to allocate funds. In most applications, audited financials will be specifically requested to leave no room for guesswork or estimations.

3. Acknowledgement of previous communication

In many ways, a grant funder is no different from a major donor. Building solid relationships is essential. If you have space for a cover letter or email, make the most of the extra room and acknowledge any previous support or communications.

Refer to the communication history in your CRM to include relevant information regarding previous funding applications whether successful or not. As in all donor communication, also thank them for any previous support and provide as much information as you can about how this has benefited the community.  

4. An appealing project

Long gone are the days of finding a project to suit funder requirements. In our current economic climate where every dollar is precious, funders want to maximise philanthropic impact with every dollar donated.

An innovative project demonstrating a worthwhile investment is more likely to resonate with a funder than a run-of-the-mill piece of equipment. Plus, with so many applications to get through, something that can lead to meaningful impact is more likely to excite a funder and build an all-important connection.

5. Capacity to deliver the project

It doesn’t matter how compelling your case for support is, potential funders will want to see solid proof the project can be delivered effectively on time and within budget. Include previous examples of similar projects, evidence you have access to the personnel required and a detailed description of how you plan to make sure every dollar is spent wisely.

6. Time

Anyone who’s ever worked in a busy fundraising office can tell you how quickly those grant deadlines creep up! When you’re wearing multiple hats, it’s easy to push the application-writing down the to-do list. Before you know it, you’re completing the application in a rush after hours just to get something submitted.

This is a big no-no.

For most funders, your application isn’t their first rodeo! They can see when you’ve accessed an online application so rushing through will give the impression you’re more serious about ticking KPI boxes than you are about their specific funding.

Give yourself enough time to fully understand the criteria and to craft a well-written application. Don’t forget to allow time for second and third checking by managers and project leads to make sure important details have been conveyed. If the funder has any further questions or needs extra supporting information for the application, you also want to give them enough time to do this well in advance of the closing date. Preparing a comprehensive grants calendar at the start of the year to help with time management and make sure you stay one step ahead of deadlines.

As funders typically decide where to donate based on individual applications rather than the wider mission of the charity, grant funding may be harder to obtain than individual or company donations. Matching projects to suitable funding opportunities and creating compelling, well written applications will ultimately lead to funding success.

To help time-poor fundraisers meet grant deadlines, Words and the Bees provides written content for grant applications that addresses key selection criteria and meets funder requirements. While a winning grant application can never be guaranteed, we use our expertise and experience to help give your charity every opportunity for funding success.

If you need ongoing or ad hoc grant writing support or guidance, call Jo on 0422 053 199 or contact us today.