Once you’ve prepared you fundraising strategy and considered the different way to fundraise, you need to consider how funders work and what they are looking for.
Start by looking for funders that fund organisations or activities similar to yours.
The Complete Fundraising Handbook (published by the Directory of Social Change) can help you get to know funders. If you can’t afford to buy a copy, your local Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) should have one.
Do as much research as you can before applying to a funder. For example, are there certain types of things that they will or won’t fund? Do they have deadlines for applications? Do they cover certain geographic areas? Will they give money to core costs or only to specific projects?
Don’t be afraid to contact them to ask questions before applying.
What funders want
When it comes to making an application for money, different funders require different kinds of information. Most will want the basics about your organisation’s aims, objectives and plans but, while some won’t require too much detail, others will send lengthy forms to be completed.
Often they will be particularly interested in the outcomes of any work they fund. Who will benefit, and how will you evaluate it? Good, clear answers to these questions will make for a strong application.
Funding applications can be daunting and difficult to write, so don’t be afraid to ask for help from your local CVS or another relevant agency. Take the time required to get it right.
This page is a summary of information containted in the full online toolkit.
