Does anyone know how to write an application for funding? Also in SB

[vennessa]

I have two books listing trusts to whome charities can make applications for grants.
I have been told a lot goes on your application. This puts me at the bottom of the pile.
None of our trustees have a clue either.
Has anyone any idea how to write the application?
I know what i want to put and what we do/what our aims are but i have a mental block when it comes to putting it in writeing.
Letters should not be more than two pages. I would struggle there also as i normally write unreadable novels.
There are a number of trusts whose criteria we meet in one way or another but i have no idea how to put things into words.
Anyone know of a proof copy that could be altered to each charity?
Any hints or advice would be extremely apreciated.
Thanyou in advance

 

[Hovis_and_SidsMum]

Do they have any guidelines or proformas that you have to use?

 

[Booboos]

I don't think there is anything you can copy as such because the main thing is that you need to match what you do and what you intend to do with the money, with what the trust is interested in. I would start by writing down what you do. I would then do a list of what you intend to do with the money if you are awarded it. Then look at the aims and objectives of the trust and see whether the two match. If they do not match at all you will need to re-think the whole thing. If they match then write your targets so that they clearly illustrate how they match the trust's objectives. Trusts give away money but they want to make sure that their money will be well spent, so in a sense you need to convince them that your project is worth while and you are a trustworthy person (I don't mean that you are a liar or a cheat, just that trusts need to make sure money will be put to good use, i.e. good value for money, sensible costings, reasonable aims, etc.). Why don't you have a go and then circulate amongst friends etc. for feedback? You are likely to need 3-4 drafts anyway before you get it right.