Grants
4 Demonstrate the need
An absolutely critical aspect of any proposal is the way you go about proving the validity of the project. Why is it needed and what evidence do you have? So called ‘nice to have’ projects are unlikely to receive support so you’ll need to focus very clearly on how you demonstrate the need. Video and photographs are very useful as they enable you to physically show what the problem is, and many funders these days have their application portals. It might be an idea to offer
suggestions as to what you cannot do now but could do once funding is in place and the project is delivered. You’ll also need to show that you’ve done all you can yourselves but need a little help to get things over the line. Some grants will cover all the costs but many will expect some sort of contribution, so it’s wise to set out what you’ve done to raise funds.
5 Demonstrate the impact
the reasons charitable bodies are so successful is their ability to engage on an emotional level, using images, statistics and a compelling storyline. The education sector is of course very different, not least because it is largely state funded, but there are lessons we can learn. Give thought to the words you use
and put yourself in the shoes of the funder. Why should they support you over someone else? Many grant funders are oversubscribed so they have to make tough decisions on which projects to put their money behind. Use positive language and avoid ambiguity. Don’t make false you’re doing and the impact you can have. Pilot projects can help
‘Give thought to the words you use and put yourself in the shoes of the funder. Why should they support you over someone else?’
34 SPRING 2023 FundEd
enormously as they offer an insight into what may be achieved when the initiative is scaled up.
3 Involve your beneficiaries
are going to be your pupils and if you can demonstrate they have helped shape your project then this sits very well with potential funders. Many grant providers, especially the National Lottery Heritage Fund, want to see how involved So, if you’re looking for funding to
improve your play areas then make sure your pupils have had a say in what equipment you’re going to buy and how the playground is designed. Take photos of the children meeting a potential supplier in school and exploring some of the equipment options. Or you could conduct a survey allowing pupils and parents/ carers to feed back on their ideas and reasoning. This helps demonstrate to a funder that you’re working together to develop a solution to a
When I secured National Lottery funding for computers, furniture and the redecoration of a classroom in a school, the application was focused on the need for a Basic Skills Beginners IT Club for local people. We didn’t make everything about the need for desks and computers, we focused on the impact and outcomes. Remember that grant-awarding
bodies are accountable to their trustees – they have to show they have supported organisations who meet their priorities, offer value for money, are ethically sound and deliver on the outcomes. Make sure you are clear about this – how are you going to measure the impact? You could look at quantitative measurements (data, numbers) and/ or qualitative measurements (surveys, interviews). Either way, think about how the lives of your make sure this can be measured and stated clearly on your application form. Justin Smith is MD of Chameleon Consultancy and Training,
chameleon-training.co.uk
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