Funding Opportunities for Voluntary Groups in Bexley

General Tips for Successful Funding

Although each funder has individual requirements in assessing applications, there are some general points which are important to bear in mind for any application you complete. You will find some some tips below that we hope are helpful:

It is essential that the funding criteria is carefully read before deciding whether to apply. Most funders have very clear ideas about exactly what they want to fund, when, and how. It is understandable that groups which are desperate for cash may be tempted to seek any funds which may be on offer. However, you must consider whether by meeting the funding criteria this could undermine your group’s own priorities and prevent the development of the services which are really needed by the community.
Make sure that you think through exactly how the project will be managed and how the work will progress. Funders need to be convinced that the applicant can properly manage the funding applied for and can deliver the services indicated, and you will jeopardise your chances if you are not able to demonstrate this in the application.
Make sure you are clear about the funding conditions, and that you are able to meet these. Most funders will ask you to enter into a funding agreement which is legally binding, and you need to fully appreciate the obligations placed upon your organisation, and the rights you have in relation to the funder.
Funders are increasingly likely to ask you what difference your service will make to people’s lives. Therefore, you need to think carefully about the outcomes you feel you can realistically achieve, and a timetable for their achievement within the lifetime of the funding period.
It is absolutely essential to have a credible exit or succession strategy for the project. Funding is short-term, and is rarely provided for more than three or four years. Funders are increasingly reluctant to renew funding agreements, so you should not rely on re-applying to the same funder.
Make sure you answer the question that the funder is actually asking, and answer all the questions clearly, directly and succinctly. It is surprising how many application forms are submitted which are incomplete, or where irrelevant information is provided. On the application form, it’s worth taking some time to think about what the funder is really getting at when asking the questions. If you are inexperienced in applying for funding, it is worth seeking advice. BVSC may be able to help, or someone from another organisation which has already been successful.
Make sure you provide any evidence which can support your application. Funders look for data which justifies the need that your project will address.
The financial details you provide must be complete and correct. Make sure you enclose all supporting information/documentation which is required, such as audited accounts.
Deadlines for applications are becoming shorter and shorter. This means that you will need to take measures to: (a) be up to date with funding news, and (b) be in a state of readiness to apply. It is very difficult to keep track of all the funders and their various programmes. BVSC and LVSC provide information, as do these web pages, and it is important that you try and identify the funders which are relevant to your work and keep up with their funding programmes.

This may seem daunting. However, completing applications for funding is a difficult and laborious even when they don't succeed, and the organisations which follow these tips are far more likely to obtain the funding they seek.

And remember, it's not necessarily the good idea which gets funding, it's the good application!

Community Learning

Leisure Services

Strategic Planning & Regeneration

Joint Planning Team

Funding Opportunities for Voluntary Groups in Bexley

General Tips for Successful Funding