Introduction
This information is designed to assist local sports clubs within Cheshire & Warrington who are currently seeking funding. It briefly outlines organisations and schemes which may be of interest to you (lists are not exhaustive). When preparing your grant application, it is good practice to:
- Seek help and advice before you start
- Give yourself plenty of time
- Read the guidance notes
- Draft your answers first
- Answer the question
- Avoid jargon
Advice to consider
- If you are a small group inexperienced in bidding for grants, build up your track record by applying for small grants first; this is to prove you can manage and deliver a grant funded project before moving on to larger grants.
- Research your chances of success with a funder - are they over-subscribed; have they already awarded a lot of funding to your local area; what is their average size of grant
- Think about your 'project outcomes' - what difference is your project going to make to the lives of people, for example, will it increase exercise, improve skills, increase confidence, increase independence, improve diet, reduce crime, and so on.
- Think if your project supports particular groups of people which may be a priority for a grant funder, for example, young people, women, black and minority ethnic people, people with a disability, volunteers, people on low income, those with low basic skills, lone parents, older people, and so on.
Key points to remember when submitting an application
Discuss your plans at the outset with the Funding Body(s) you are applying to. Your application must meet all the criteria of the respective funding body to stand a chance of success. Establish a need for funding by using statistics to support your case, consulting with existing / new users, and how your project links to local plans and strategies Make sure your plans are thorough, have been accurately costed and have an identified timescale. Assume the reader knows nothing about your organisation - when answering questions; be clear, specific and concise. Your application should request only the funds you require and demonstrate value for money. Include details of other funding and, where not confirmed, when you expect to receive a decision. Providing a degree of "self help", whether cash or 'in kind' (e.g. product, labour, expertise), should increase your chances of success. Your application should outline how your plans will benefit the wider community, not just your own sports club Where relevant, demonstrate how your plans have strategic relevance (e.g. to County, Regional and/or National plans). To assist with monitoring your project and evaluating progress, record the number of participants and any comments made, for example. Do not start any projects before you receive official written notice of an award or permission to go ahead. Funding bodies will not fund retrospectively. Consider every possible option available for funding your project (e.g. grants, sponsorship, donations and your own fundraising activities).
