FUNDRAISING – Grants
others. Canvas your parents to find out if anyone has experience in bid-writing. This can be a great way to get different parents involved, particularly those not on the PTA. If the school has its own
fundraising team, ask them for advice. If you don’t have any experienced hands available then don’t let this stop you applying, but you may want to begin by applying to grants with simpler application processes to get an idea of how it works. FundEd (
funded.org.uk) provides lots of detailed information on bid-writing and grants. The bid-writing process can be
time-consuming, so it’s important to allow enough time to collect any information you may need, and to write, reread and edit your bid, and get others to cast an eye over it. A lot of grants have application
deadlines, so allow enough time to get everything done, remembering that it can take longer than first anticipated.
between grant-givers. The Siobhan Dowd Trust, for example, asks for an email explaining why you need the funds and what they will be used for, while the Foyle Foundation has a much more in- depth application process. How complicated it is will depend on the size of the grant, who the grant-giver is and the volume of demand from applicants. There can also be applications with multiple stages, such as expressing an interest in a form, then submitting more detail and even having a representative visit the school. Visit the websites of the grant-givers to find out what will be expected of you when you apply, and if unsure, give them a call.
WHO SHOULD WRITE IT?
The proposal should be written by someone who has a thorough understanding of your organisation and the proposed project. Writing a grant application is a specific skill that some may find easier than
APPLICATION BASICS
When applying, include a short introduction about your school and PTA, including the number of pupils, location and any relevant achievements that
will help to show who you are. Describe your project in as much
detail as possible, including when it will take place, who will deliver it, how it will be delivered and who will take part. This proves to the funder that your planning is thorough. If there is an application form it should guide you through the
information you need to include. Make sure you complete it as thoroughly as you can – incomplete application forms are likely to be the first ones to be rejected. If you are asked to apply in
writing, keep your application clear and focus on what you are going to do, who will benefit and the impact it will have, how much it will cost and how long it will take. Application letters should be no more than four sides of A4 (but this doesn’t mean it has to be that long; it all depends on the grant and the information the funder has requested).
MAKE IT DETAILED
Every funder has their own charitable objectives and funding criteria, so they want to know how you can use their money to meet them. Grants are given to make a difference to people’s lives, so you need to show how you can achieve that with the money. If your project will have a long-term impact on the school and its pupils, explain how. If it will make a difference to
groups other than your pupils, such as parents or local community organisations, make that clear. Involve potential beneficiaries by
asking your school council to collect pupils’ views, inviting parents to a consultation evening, or involving groups from the wider community. Explain how these people have shaped the decisions you’ve made, and how their involvement will develop as the project progresses. For a strong application, it’s
important to go into financial detail as well, to reassure the funder and show you’ve thought everything through. You might include information about how you will meet any ongoing costs of your project (if you have them) and how you will fund the rest of the project if asking for part of the total, including any money secured so far and any pending or planned grant applications.
BE PATIENT AND KEEP TRYING
Some funders acknowledge receipt of every application, but most only contact successful applicants or those in whom they are interested, so don’t expect a reply. If you’re unsuccessful, keep
trying. Some grants allow you to apply multiple times to the same fund, and otherwise there’s a wealth of other opportunities out there.
For more information
l For information on grants available to schools, and advice on bid-writing, visit
funded.org.uk l Charity Commission
charitycommission.gov.uk
pta.co.uk SUMMER 2020 51
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