Funding Advice & Helpful Tips

 

If you and your club or organisation are new to seeking funding, or even if you've been through the process a few times before, we have outlined some key suggestions and useful tips that you may want to consider to ensure that your funding bid is successful.

 

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Link to Funding Search

• Have a clear understanding of your project, particularly the aims and objectives and what you are trying to achieve and how this will improve or have an impact upon sport
• Have a good idea of the resources that you require to deliver the project, and how much funding support you are likely to need.
• When looking for funding ensure that the fund encompasses the amount that you require, i.e. the amount you would like falls within the bracket that the fund provides.
• Ensure that the selection criteria for the funding scheme fits into the aims and objectives of your project.
• Be aware of the deadlines for the fund and how regularly that applications are reviewed and verdicts are given.
• Do not start work on your project until funding has been granted.  Most funding bodies do not cover retrospective funding.

• Plan your project carefully and realistically (refer to the How to Plan Your Project section below for more details)
• Make sure that you read all of the guidance notes and selection criteria for the fund.
• Take time to thoroughly plan and prepare your application, and to present as professionally as possible.
• Look at the funding bodies priorities; some have regional priorities or outcomes.  Make sure your project encompasses those and you mention that thoroughly in your application.
• Supply as much relevant information as possible, and ensure that you attach all required documentation with the application.
• Budget your project accurately: do not guess figures or inflate your estimated budget.  Many funders validate costs through use of the Internet.
• Supply a detailed break down of all financial figures and estimates.
• Do not underestimate the importance of including detailed information on the project outcomes and how you propose to achieve and measure them.
• Emphasise voluntary commitment to your project and the efforts you are making to support the project from sources other than grant assistance.
• If you have received funding before, always make sure you complete the necessary evaluation forms before you apply for further funding support.
• It is often helpful to inform sports development professionals as to the nature of your project and funding application, and to try and get a letter of support for your submission.  A sports development professional could be: your National Governing Body development officer, your local authority sports development officer, or a member of your County Sports Partnership.

• Is the group well set up and managed?  Many funding bodies will look to see that the group/club has implemented various good practice procedures, i.e. does the club have accreditation, does it have a child welfare policy, an open and non-discriminatory constitution, a club accounting process etc.
• How does the project address the scheme's aims?
• Who in the community will benefit?
• Is the budget appropriate and realistic?
• What is the group contributing?
• Special considerations usually apply for property purchase or construction:
  • Tenure
  • Permissions
  • Design energy efficiency
  • Costs

• The club's bank statements are not included in the submission
• The club's bank statements are not original (i.e. they are photocopied)
• The club's bank statements are older than 6 months.
• The club's constitution or governing documents are missing
• Financial accounts for the club are missing or out of date
• Income and expenditure projection for the project is missing
• Contact details missing, including telephone number
• Not all questions answered

For further advice on completing a funding application successfully, view the Funding Advice Downloads.

 

Who to target?

• Local businesses
• Local chamber of commerce
• New business in the local area
• Contact your Local Council or access thier website for information about local businesses or to access the local Business Directory 

Get to know your potential Sponsors

• Who?  Find out who to contact in the company - General Manager, Business Manager, Human Resources, Marketing department
• What is their service or product and how could it relate to your project

What is your project?

• What can you offer the sponsor?
• Be clear about your project.  Have one Message, Idea, or Price
• State the benefits of media exposure - how can you help them to acheive this exposure?
• Can they use your project for advertising thier business? 
• State the benefits of raising the company profile - how can you help them to acheive this?

How to make your approach? 99% preparation, 1% delivery

• Know the organisation's needs
• What is your offer to them
• What is your USP (Unique Selling Potential) - who does your event or project reach - Adults, Children, Students, MP's
• How is your project going to be marketed, advertised, or promoted? 

 

Funding Advice Downloads

 

This section contains documents that can be downloaded to provide further information and guidance to advise you on the best ways of successfully achieving funding:

 

Funding Jargon Buster

This document provides brief explanations to some of the most commonly used terms, phrases and jargon that funding agencies use throughout the funding process.  Understanding and applying these term can be important when completing your funding applications.  Download>>

 

Preparing a Project Budget

This document provides further details on how to create a realistic and appropriate budget for your project.  Download>>

 

Writing a Business Plan

This document provides more information and guidance on developing a business plan for your project.  Download>>

 

How to Write a Successful Funding Application

This document provides an overview of key areas that need to be covered when writing a funding application form for your project.  Download>>

 

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