Step Three: Writing a good application
If you have prepared yourself well (Step 1) and you have sought out appropriate sources of funding (Step 2) you will be ready to write the applications. You should have gathered all the information that you will need to write a good application including selecting the three or four funders that you feel you will have the best chance of securing support from.
There are four general tips for writing applications that can increase your chances of success:
Check out your ideas with the funders before you apply
Check out your idea with the funder
Before writing a full application though it can be extremely useful to contact the funder to discuss your project idea and just confirm that you meet their criteria and that the idea will be of interest to them. Most funders are happy to discuss an outline idea on the telephone. Other funders may ask you to send them a short summary of your proposal so that they can tell you if it is worth your completing a full application. Still others may not be willing to do either. You can check this by reading the detailed information about how to apply.
Having some contact with the funder before sending them a detailed application can ensure that you don't waste your time and possibly gives you an edge when they make a decision.
Read the guidance
Each funder is likely to have a different process for making an application. In general the funder will supply guidance on making an application and it is important to read this guidance carefully so you know what you are doing. In general though the funders will either ask you to complete an application form and possibly supply some additional information or they will ask you to write to them setting out what you are seeking funding for and again possibly asking you to send some specific information.
Think like a funder
When writing your application try to put yourself in the shoes of the Funding Panel Member. They may well have many applications to assess so your application is in competition with them. They will want to be able to understand what you are asking for (how much money), what you expect to achieve (the outcomes) and how you will do it (what you will spend the money on) as quickly as possible.
So in everything you write be clear and concise, wherever possible avoid jargon, and don't flood them with lots of additional information and material they haven't asked for (if they haven't asked they probably don't want or need to know!) Above all be honest - don't try to pull the wool over the funders eyes by twisting the truth to suit the funding source.
Keep a copy
Always keep a copy of the application you have made, preferably as a hard copy as well as an electronic copy. You will be surprised how often you will need to refer to it, both before they have made a decision and after they have made an award.
