Get that Grant!
Maybe you haven’t made a grant application before and you aren’t sure what to do. Or perhaps you’ve been unsuccessful and you don’t understand why. Here’s a few handy tips to help you win next time!
Plan your project
Does your project fit the grant program?
- Read the guidelines and application form thoroughly before you start and make sure you, your organisation and/or your project are eligible. Do you have all the information you need to complete the application?
- If you aren’t sure about something, have any doubts or questions, talk to the funding agency or Council officer responsible for the grant program. This is essential.
- Wyong Shire Council and Wyong Community Development Support Expenditure (CDSE) Local Committee generally only make grants to groups and projects that benefit Wyong Shire and its residents. You must explain how your project does this.
Do you have community support for your project?
- You may be asked to provide letters or statements of support from stakeholders, other organisations and community leaders.
- Many grant-makers now look for ‘partnerships’, so consider whether a collaboration would strengthen your proposal.
Presentation is important
- Always use the application form provided. Answer all the questions directly, fully and concisely. Don’t use jargon. Don’t write lengthy covering letters and don’t include attachments unless it is something you are specifically asked for.
- Type your application if possible. It’s neater, it looks more professional and you can be sure that the people assessing it can read it! Computers and word processing facilities are available at all Wyong Shire Libraries.
- Make sure your data and information is correct and properly presented. If you can’t find information or statistics, Council’s website or one of Council’s Library Assistants may be able to help.
Is the timing right?
- Find out when successful applicants will be notified. The grant decision-making process can take several months, so check the time frame works for you.
- Be sure your project isn’t scheduled to begin before grant funds are available. No grant program will provide funding for a project that is completed, nor, usually, if work has already begun.
The money part
- Make sure your budget is realistic, has sufficient detail and adds up properly
- Get trustworthy quotes for equipment.
- Include your contribution to the project, both cash and in-kind otherwise. Don’t forget volunteer time and overheads such as Workers Compensation, insurances, office costs, rent, etc.
- Check if a copy of your annual report or last audited financial report is required with the application.
When your application is completed
- Proof read it. Get someone else to proof read it. Check budget, spelling and grammar.
- Make sure the application form is signed by a person in your organisation who has the authority to do so.
- Always have your application in before the closing date. Late applications cannot be considered.
- Check how the funding agency want the application sent. Some grant makers require hard copies to be posted, others accept electronic applications.
- Check to make sure that your submission has been received by the right people.
- Keep copies of everything - applications, correspondence and acquittals.
Success or try again?
Didn’t get the funds? Don’t be disheartened. All grants are competitive and there is a limited amount of money to go round. Get as much feedback from the grant-maker as you can, and try again next time!
Success? Congratulations, your hard work paid off! Don’t forget to credit and thank the grant-maker, and make sure your funding report or acquittal is completed on time and sent to the right person or department. This helps your chances of future funding.