Are you ready to apply for funds yet
Are you applying to the right people?
What you need to do
Suggested application format
The Golden Rules

Are you ready to apply for funds yet?

How much money do you need?
What is the money needed for?
Can you achieve your objectives?
Are there any alternatives?
How will the project be managed?
How will you monitor progress?
Where is it all leading?

Are you applying to the right people?

Where did similar projects get their funding?
Do you fit the criteria?
Are there application forms?
Can you speak to anyone?
Are there strings attached?
Have you tried local service clubs and churches?

What you need to do

Check closing dates and allow plenty of time
Find out whether there is an application form
Research using statistics and social knowledge
- the need for this project
- the people you apply to
Make contact with Funder
- ask questions
- identify your project and organisation
Contact local service groups
- Lions, Rotary, Inner Wheel, Soroptimists
- find out what they like to give
- offer a speaker for their monthly meeting
If you have an application form
- read the form and any instruction sheets
- if you do not understand, ring the Funding Organisation
- provide a return address
- provide two day/night telephone contacts
If there is no application form
- provide 1 page budget
- provide 1 page project description
- provide references
- provide research summary

Suggested application format

Try to use no more than three pages if you can Introduction

• who are you?
• why are you set up?
• your membership, staff and volunteer numbers
• what do you do and with whom?
• who benefits?
• what other groups do this work in your area?
• who do you network with?
• what is your project? Briefly

Background

• your current financial position
• your legal status, eg incorporation
• GST registration
• umbrella group (if not incorporated)

The Problem

• what problem do you aim to redress?
• specific details
• use your research
• use statistics
• use official documents
• quote from references - attach them

The Project

• outline
• how will it help the problem?
• why is this project better than the alternatives?
• outline the help you are seeking from the Funder

Objectives

• specific for the project
• time frame
• achievable
• measurable any long term goals or plans

Procedure

• how will you implement your project
• attach any job descriptions
• attach any seminar agendas
• resource people

Evaluation

• how you will evaluate your project?
• who will evaluate it?
• what criteria will you use to base the evaluation on?
• what will you learn, whatever the outcome?

Budget

• list the cost of all items of expenditure
• include administration
• attach as a separate page

Supplementary Information

• list other organisations to whom you have applied
• include relevant press cuttings
• include references and letters of support
• include any required legal documents or seal

Hints

• make your application look professional
• type your application
• be realistic in what you seek
• keep a copy of the application
• read the application, check it makes sense
• complete all questions
• attach all requested documents
• attach your own references
• publicly acknowledge grant
• don't apply for unspecified amounts
• make sure financial information is current
• use plastic folders for easy photocopying
• get application in well before the closing date
• don't quote the funding organisation's philosophy
• ring if your application isn't acknowledged

The Golden Rules

Follow the instructions and provide what is requested
Show what support your project has in the community
People to contact:
- City Council community workers
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- Community Funding Agency field staff
- Internal Affairs Community field staff
- the funding agency to whom you are applying
- local clubs eg Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Jaycees, Soroptimists, Masons, Licensing Trusts