How to write a great application for community grant funding – checklist

Posted on: April 14, 2022

A check list written by Essex Is United – VCS And Community Facebook Group

Be prepared

• Organisation’s aims and objectives, annual accounts, bank details, constitution
• Organisation track record, policies and procedures
• Staff and volunteer profiles, how the organisation is managed

Be clear

• Create a project brief which should include: WHO, WHAT, WHERE, HOW,
  WHEN
• Aims and objectives, activities, target audience, project duration
• Delivery staff, key volunteers, project partners
• The need the project addresses, the difference the project will make
• Project milestones
• Sustainability or maintenance plan
• Total costs – revenue and capital

Evidence need

• Consultation reports, letters of support from tenants and community groups
• Quotes from community questionnaires
• Expert testimonial (eg advocates for play, wildlife etc)
• Demographic/statistical data, ward information, Government reports about your
  neighbourhood

Know your funder

• Make sure the project fits the criteria, always read the guidelines and check your
  group is eligible
• Find out who they funded before and to what level
• Make sure you are asking for eligible expenditure
• Is there a grants officer to contact for queries?
• Do you need to identify match funding?

Leave enough time

• Review the application form and the application process, assess whether you
  need further information and check whether the funder will answer questions
• Proof read and edit
• Double check the budget
• Make sure the right people have signed the form – including partners

Author: Jade Bolton
Posted: 14/04/2022
Categories: News