Are you looking for funding?
Developing your ideas and applying for funding
We can help you when you are developing your funding applications. We offer one to one surgery sessions to help you as you progress your application.
You can also conduct funding searches by visiting our Grants Online Portal.
We are always available to help you with your funding searches, either by using the Grants Online Portal, by phone, email, or in person. Please don’t hesitate to contact our team here at CVS Falkirk for further information and support by phone: 01324 692000, or email: info@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
Funding Focus
Each week, our Organisation Development team highlight a selection of Funding opportunities available to the third sector through our e-bulletin – which you can also find through our handy “Funding” filter (linked for your convenience), so you can get an idea of what is available.
To request direct funding support for your Falkirk District group or organisation, please contact our team: info@cvsfalkirk.org.uk
Top Ten Tips for Funding
1. Review your constitution
It’s really important you review your constitution regularly: it is your governing document and tells you how your organisation must be run so make sure it is fit for purpose before planning any projects or applying for funds.
2. Do your homework
Always read the funder’s guidelines and the information on their website about work they’ve supported in the past and what they want to fund. It might sound obvious but often groups or organisations spend a lot of time applying to funders who have specific criteria or aims that they don’t meet.
3. Plan ahead
Preparing applications and going through the process can take a number of weeks, if not months. Many funders will have deadlines throughout the year so diarise when you need to submit your application and give yourself plenty of time from applying to when you need the funds in place.
4. Be specific
Make sure to answer the basic questions clearly and concisely when describing your work and how the funds will be spent: Why is it needed? Who will benefit? How many will benefit? How will they benefit? Where will it take place? What will happen if the project doesn’t take place? How will you evaluate your success?
5. Get your facts and figures right
Make sure your application is fact based and your numbers add up. Specify all costs and break down the figures so that the funder understands where you have got your numbers from and include quotations and estimates rather than approximate figures or guessing how much things will cost.
6. Get in touch
Many funders will be pleased to hear from you- once you’ve read through their guidelines- if you have questions and to discuss your application. It shows that you are keen to work together and understand what they are looking for and also gives the funder the chance to learn more about the work that you do.
7. Make sure you’ve enclosed all the documents requested
You’ll normally be asked to share a copy of your constitution and your annual accounts along with other supporting documents and policies. This is a great way of showing your organisation’s credibility, that your finances are properly managed and that you adhere to any applicable guidelines for example Child Protection Policy.
8. Check, check and check again!
Compare your application with the funders guidelines and make sure you’ve answered all questions and addressed all points. Make sure your spelling and grammar are correct too.
9. Ask someone to read your application
It’s a great idea to ask someone outside the organisation to have a read through your application – many things that may be obvious to you might be difficult to understand or vague to someone unfamiliar with your work. If they can understand the proposal then it’s likely the grant assessor will too. CVS Falkirk is happy to review applications and offer guidance with funding applications.
10. SUCCESS!
You’ve secured the funds – congratulations. The work doesn’t stop here though! Remember to record any statistics, case studies, photographs etc. that you need for your monitoring report and submit it before the deadline. It’s really important to meet the funder’s conditions of grant and could help with future funding bids.
