Application guidance

Important Guidance Notes

We advise that you:

• Detail where else you have applied and when the outcome is expected. It is important that substantial funds are in place prior to making an application and local fundraising is a strong factor.
• Write in easy, simple language. Be clear about what your project is, what the grant will pay for as well as the difference it will make.
• Show us that you understand your local community. Demonstrate how your project will make a difference and how many people will benefit, highlighting any achievements to date.
• Make sure everything adds up. Provide an accurate cost breakdown for what the grant will cover. Provide estimates where appropriate and please notes that sight of invoices will be requested prior to release of funds. The Foundation cannot fund retrospectively.
• Make sure your financial accounts are clear.
• How will you measure your success? Demonstrate that you have a clear plan to monitor and evaluate the project.
• Finally … make sure your application form is well written and thought through. Be clear, concise, keep to the point and be realistic.

Top reasons applications are declined:

• The applicant has tried to 'shoehorn' a project into criteria that isn’t appropriate.
• The project is in the early stages, with no match funding. 
• Application form is incomplete. If information is missing it will limit our ability to understand your project.
• Project completion date is before the decision is made. We are unable to make grants retrospectively.
• The budget doesn’t add up. Make sure your budget is clear and well thought out. 
• The budget did not demonstrate good value for money.
• The submission deadline was missed. Due to the volume of applications received we are unable to make exceptions.
• Insufficient evidence of community involvement or local support / demand.
• Insufficient evidence of a sound plan for the long-term maintenance or upkeep of any equipment / buildings / vehicles.