Hints and Tips on Completing Grant Applications
Hints and Tips For Completing Applications:
- Always read the project guidelines carefully.
- When planning a project answer these questions:
- What is it you want to do?
- Why do you want to do it?
- What steps will you take to make it happen?
- Who needs to be involved?
- When will it take place?
- How will you make it happen?
- What resources will you require?
- How will you measure any changes or success?
- What communication plans are in place?
- Have a clear knowledge of the funding body, what the stand for and what they are working towards.
- Acknowledge the funding body and its' funds.
- Access previous successful grants to give you a good idea of the funding body, and what has been successful in the past.
- When completing the application form don't use jargon and acronyms.
- When you ask for quotes from suppliers make sure the quote will be valid for 12 - 18 months.
- If the project is of a technical nature e.g. soil erosion, you will need to seek external technical advice.
- Be creative with your project name, make it stand out.
- Make sure that you answer the questions that are asked. Answers need to be short and to the point as people will refer back to what you have written.
- All answer need to be clear and concise.
- Don't put things in applications if you don't know how to do them e.g. grass checks.
- What ever you say in the application you will be contracted to do.
- Always double check your project budget, make it clear, do not change the sheet format, read the guidelines to find out what is eligible and what isn't and always check that the in-kind contribution is accurate.
- It is very important that you include a clear, accurate map using the key that is asked of you. Make the map as much to scale as possible.
"a picture tells a thousand words"
If you need any further assistance with application forms or you would a more detail about any of the tips listed above please contact the Desert Uplands office.