Grants Grants
How to write a winning funding bid
Justin Smith shares five tips to create a compelling story
G
rants and trusts remain incredibly popular with schools as they seek funds for infrastructure
developments around their site or look to support the delivery of new initiatives and projects for pupils. Grant funding can vary in size of course, and each of the 5,000-plus funders in the UK will have their Once you’ve selected eligible
funders to approach, using the FundEd grants database, you can begin to craft your project narrative. Successful fundraisers are, to a large degree, fabulous storytellers – after all, you’re attempting to persuade a potential donor or benefactor to get behind your idea. With that in mind, here are the key points to consider when you’re writing a funding proposal.
1 Align your
the funder’s aims Make sure you’ve carefully read the criteria and ambitions of the funder. Many have updated their
proposal to
awarding criteria since the Covid-19 pandemic, and others have begun to focus on addressing the current cost of living crisis. Even if you’re familiar with the awarding body, take time to go back to their website and double check the current priorities. These do change over time as funders look to adapt to the needs of communities and address new challenges. You’ll need to accommodate those changes and ensure your application meets the new criteria. If you feel you’re struggling
to make a case, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and have a conversation with the grant funder. More often than not they’ll welcome your call and provide really useful advice. They may even suggest other grant options if they feel their programmes are not suitable.
2 Think about your use of language
You need to strike the right balance between stating hard facts and articulating your message in an emotive and engaging way. One of
FundEd SPRING 2023 33
IMAGES: MISSTUNI/
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
