Writing a good funding bid is extremely important when applying for funding. Sometimes the best applications get turned down just because there are so many applicants.

Before applying to a funder consider the following:

• Find out about the funder you are considering applying to - do they fund the kinds of projects you are proposing?
  
• Researching the kinds of projects they have funded in the past (many funders have this information on their websites)
  
• If possible, call the funder and have a chat with them about your project to see if it is worth applying to them
• Are there other similar projects happening in your area? E.g. Awards For All will not offer funding to similar projects in the same area if they have funded it via another organisation.
• How do you know your project is needed - what evidence do you have?

Information you can download to help with your funding bid

• Common Reasons Why Bids Fail - What NOT to do when writing a funding bid
  
• Writing a GOOD Funding Application - Things you need to know to write a good funding bid
  
• Sources of Statistics and Support for your Funding Application - statistics can be used as evidence to show there is need for your project
  

Support from Funders

Lots of funders want your application to be successful and offer tips on how to complete their application.

• Big Lottery - Applying For Funding Support
  
• Awards For All Guidance

Other Support and Information

Bid Writing Workshops. If you are new to writing funding bids and/or want to top up your skills it is worth investing a little time and/or money on a bid writing workshop. There is usually a cost associated with these workshops but this money will be well invested if you are likely to be writing several funding bids, which most organisations need to do to remain sustainable. Workshops often take place in Central London locations.

Check out the latest Flash Funding eNews which sometimes contains information on bid writing workshops or contact Angela Dodwell (details below) for the latest information on bid writing workshops.

NCVO Knowhow NonProfit - Write a winning Funding Bid. A series of FREE short course videos.

Ealing CVS Group Development workers can support with funding applications but CANNOT write them on behalf of an organisation.

For further details contact:

• Antony Bewick Smith - [email protected]
  
• Angela Dodwell - [email protected]