If you want donors to give to you this is our advice on what donors want from you.
We strongly advise that you don’t just chase money or shape your request to fit what you come across: know what you want and look for the source that will let you achieve that.
And please do your homework – find out all you can about a donor before you apply.
Before you ask, CHECK what kinds of organisations they fund and the geographical area they cover.
CHECK what they fund:
Eg revenue: project running costs; core costs – salaries, heat, light, rent
Capital costs: buildings, equipment, vehicles
Now CHECK what they DON’T fund: most will list some exclusions
CHECK how they fund
Eg timescale: length of funding; amounts; deadlines; single or several stage process; whether matched funding is needed.
Before you can ask for funding you need to know exactly:
The funder will look at how you explain:
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Who will benefit and what need/s you address
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What impact this will have, and how;
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Where and whenit takes place;
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How much it costs;
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Why it is good value for money;
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Why your organisation is best placed to deliver this;
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Whether you need to involve other parties;
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How much you want the donor to fund;
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If that is not all you need, where the rest will come from;
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How you will measure success;
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What will happen at the end of the grant/donation.
Compliance with the donor’s requests:
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Have you used their form, if they have one?
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Do you fit their criteria?
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Have you met their deadline?
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Have you included all they ask for?
Are you up to date with your reports at the Charity Commission, Companies House, etc.
Good funding requests (OR, WHAT DONORS TELL US):
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Will show you really know what you want to do, and why, and how;
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Will show you understand what the donor is looking for.
CHECKLIST of what NOT to do
Don't use jargon – your request will be read by many, including non-specialists so ask someone who doesn’t know about your work to read a draft first to make sure it is clear
Don't forget to check criteria – Don’t send to a medical trust if you are looking to fund a donkey sanctuary!
Don't forget to send requested documents
If the funder has a form, use it and don't send material they haven’t asked for;
Don't telephone if asked not to or if the number is not easily found;
But if help is offered, make use of it.
SUCCESS! If you are offered funding:
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Read the donor’s conditions;
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Query anything you do not understand;
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Be honest if you cannot comply with any criteria or anything has changed since you applied for the funds;
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Set up a system straight away to collect monitoring information required and to meet reporting deadlines;
Finally:
Tell the donor of any changes – good or bad. You may want to reapply, so don’t burn your bridges. |