Information you will need
This page contains an overview of the information needed when making a grant application.
The following bullet points provide a simple overview of the information you are likely to need when making a grant application, be it completing a prepared form or the simple submission of an application letter and accompanying proposal:
Who are you?
Many proposals tell little or nothing about the applicant organisation, they speak only of the project or programme to be conducted. This section should introduce your company’s goals and objectives; information on how you got started; how long you’ve been around; your most significant accomplishments and support you have or are receiving.
Your selling points
A few key reasons why the work you are doing is important and why donors will want to support your cause. Remember, there is a big difference between saying what you are doing and stressing why it is important and worth supporting.
Facts and figures about your work
Research, statistics or figures that will help demonstrate the importance of your cause, the extent of the need, the value of your work and the success of the methods you are using to carry out the project.
The credibility of your organisation
It is important to collect endorsements and statements from other people/organisations that enhance the importance of your work and what you are trying to achieve. They should give the donor an increased confidence in your ability to deliver the work.
A plan and budget of your project
You need to be clear what you intend to do, how and when you intend to do it, and what the benefits will be. These can be written up into a simple project plan.
You can then put together a financial plan covering all the items of expenditure you plan to incur. Such a plan should also include any income you expect to generate from the project. (Larger grant programmes will usually provide appropriate templates and this helps to ensure that you provide all the relevant information).
Donor research
Find out what the donor is interested in and the scale of support you might expect (i.e. what to ask for). You will find that many donors/grant distributors will publish guidelines inclusive of criteria and examples of projects that will and will not be supported.
In terms of support level it is often helpful to research projects that have won the donor’s support previously as this often gives a clear pattern of giving.
Finally, it is a good idea to identify any connections between you and the funder (personal contacts, previous approaches for support, previous meetings etc.).
Back-up literature
Have brochures, annual reports/accounts, case studies of success, a list of your trustees/secured donors, letters of endorsement, positive press articles and any other good information available to attach to your written proposal. These will enhance your case and improve your chances of success. (Where possible include visuals/photographs/drawings).
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