Finding and applying for grants
Ensuring the group has sufficient funds to carry out its activities or services is an ongoing task which, in small groups especially, the committee is responsible for. While there are different types of funding, this page focuses on grants.
About grants
Grants provide organisations with funds to complete a specific project or set of objectives. This often usually involves a detailed application, plus monitoring or evaluation during the project. They are highly competitive and require thorough preparation and creation of budgets and work plans, even for short term funding.
RVA shares open funding opportunities on our website and in our monthly newsletter. Before you look for funding, it’s good to have a detailed idea of your project to help you select the most suitable grants to apply for.
Applying for funding
The next step is to write your bid so here are some top tips for successful bid writing.
- Read the application guidelines carefully. Check the eligibility criteria first to make sure your project matches their funding priorities and requirements.
- What is the funding for? Does the grant giver fund project costs or basic running costs? Does this match your plan?
- Be prepared. Do you have all the required group documents? Make budgets and timescales as specific as possible and exclude unspecific items (e.g. contingencies).
- Keep your application specific. Give evidence why your project is needed and include specific numbers. What problem are you tackling? With your project plan in mind, write to your funder’s priorities.
- Use simple English and avoid jargon. Funders will receive many applications so make it easy for them to read yours.
Further resources
The following websites also share grant information:
- turn2us: Grant search
- East Sussex County Council: Grants and funding
- Rother District Council: Community grants scheme
- RVA’s live funding grid