Handy Hints

Before you start

Applying for funding can be a daunting and confusing thing. You get asked for lots of information and the forms and questions can seem repetitive and hard to understand. Don’t panic! We’re here to help you at every step of the way, from the first search for potential funders to helping you keep track of how the money is spent and advice on completing monitoring returns when you start spending the money.

We will ask you a number of questions to help us search for the best sources of funding for your group. These questions will be similar to those that the funders will need to know as well.

These initial questions are:

• Does the group have a constitution and bank account? These are essential for funding.
• Who are your target groups that will benefit from your project?
• What do you want the money for and how much do you want?
• If the funding is for a building project – do you own or lease the building? How long is the lease for?

This information will help us conduct a search using Grantfinder (a database with information from thousands of funding orgainsations around the country), we will send the reports out to you so that you can start the application process.

Once you have received your Grantfinder report here are a few handy hints that can help make life a little bit easier for you

• Contact the funding bodies to see if your project is eligible and learn of any deadlines for applications. Checking eligability before you apply can save you time and effort if you are not eligible or cannot meet the deadlines.
• Get copies of guidelines and criteria for the scheme. You will be able to find out what work will need to be done to complete the application and how the funding body will want to monitor the work.
• Who is going to complete the application? Within the group who has the most experience or knowledge of applications, or will there be more than just you completing the form?
• What information will you need to collect to complete the form? Will you need to source quotes for building work or equipment?

Once you have received the application form and supporting information, make sure you read it carefully. Take a copy of the blank form so you can use it to draft your application and keep one copy for your final application.

Check the deadline for submission and give yourself enough time to complete the form and check it through with your group or with the funding team. Make a list of all the information you need to collect to answer the questions and again make sure you give yourself enough time to get all the information.

These other hints may help you complete the form. If you have any questions at this stage – give us a ring and we’ll try and help.