Funding

Writing a good grant proposal is not easy. The key element lies in matching the project and its needs to the grantor’s desires and requirements. Every grant provider has very specific interests and goals, which are usually spelt out in a mission statement or criteria. They want certain particulars and if a programme does not address those particulars, no matter how unique, wonderful and worthy the project is, it will not get funded.

What do grantors want? The project must be driven by a need to help people and solve a problem. Grantors want the project's mission to match their mission. They want to feel that they are fulfilling a need. They also want to contribute to their community and to society at large.

Focus on anything and everything that will insure the success of the programme. Don’t leave out any detail. To prepare an application, ensure that the following points have been addressed:

• Is your organisation eligible to apply for a grant from the funder?
• Does your project fit within the eligibility criteria?
• Clearly address the aims, how these will be achieved and the outcomes.
• Do you know when you are going to start the project?
• Do you know where you will carry out the project?
• Have you considered what needs your community or users have?
• Are you sure your project will meet your users needs?
• Have you asked your users whether they think there is a need for your project?
• Involve your users and/or beneficiaries in the planning of the project.
• Demonstrate clearly the need for the project, with up-to-date evidence.
• Do you know what resources you need to carry out your project and have you fully costed your project?
• Is match funding required?
• Check which costs are eligible.
• Ensure the budget is cost-effective.
• Be realistic – don’t promise more than the project can achieve and don’t be greedy when calculating the likely costs.
• How will the project be sustained after the funding ends?
• Do you have established financial procedures in place for running your organisation?
• Are all your management committee members fully involved in the planning of the project?
• Does the project have an effective management structure?
• Who will be responsible for project management?
• Is a partnership required?
• Do you know what the differences will be as a result of your project?
• Will you be able to demonstrate that your project has made these differences?
• What is the evaluation process? Document how the success of the programme will be determined throughout its duration and how it will be shown that goals and objectives have been met.
• Ensure the proposal is written without jargon.
• Have a good idea that is realistic and achievable.

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