Five Funding Tips from CTA
By Michelle Clarke, Deputy Director for Wales at CTA. This post was originally published in 2024.
Competition for grant funding is fierce.
Preparing an application takes time, and rejections can be disheartening. So, what can you do to give your next application the best chance of success? Here are five practical tips.
1 Engage the reader from the start
Avoid beginning with an origin story, such as: ‘Our organisation was set up in 1985 with the purchase of our first minibus…’
Instead, begin by outlining the problem you want to address and your proposed solution. This is much more interesting to a funder.
“80% of the people we support struggle to get to their health appointments, and six out of ten have previously cancelled a hospital appointment because they simply couldn’t get there. Without transport, people miss vital appointments and their health is at risk. Our Transport to Health project will help people access the healthcare services they need.”
2 Make sure the budget matches the proposal
It’s common to read applications where the proposal outlines a range of activities but there is no corresponding budget heading. This leaves the funder wondering whether the organisation has covered those costs elsewhere.
Ask someone to read your application and budget before you submit it, as they may spot inconsistencies. Budget figures should also be based on accurate calculations and quotations and demonstrate value for money.
3 Include data
When explaining the problem or need your project will address, include supporting evidence. This could include survey results, key themes from focus groups or interviews, information from local wellbeing plans, the Indices of Multiple Deprivation or other relevant data.
Funders will expect successful applicants to provide monitoring reports, so including reliable data in your initial application reassures them that you are comfortable collecting and reporting evidence.
4 Show your organisation’s credentials
We don’t always like to trumpet our achievements, but when it comes to grant applications, you need to. Funders will ask themselves: Can this organisation realistically deliver the work?
Describe the expertise and experience of the person overseeing the project, along with the breadth of skills on your trustee board. Include relevant awards, testimonials from stakeholders such as the local council or health board, and examples of similar projects you have delivered successfully.
5 Describe your impact
You may have a good proposal, a clear budget, strong evidence of need and a great team, but none of these will matter if you can’t clearly explain your organisation’s impact.
Share headline statistics where possible. This might be the percentage of people using your service who report reduced loneliness, improved wellbeing or greater participation in community activities. Support your statistics with relevant quotes and case studies that show the difference your organisation makes to people’s lives.
“If your work has an emotional impact, or brings you joy, you can tell us that too. A balance between ‘head’ and ‘heart’ can make a proposal much more compelling.”
Community transport has heart by the bucketload.
Make sure that comes across strongly in your application. Good luck!