Craven Events

Your next bid might still succeed - if you understand why your last one failed

Applications and approaches to funders can be unsuccessful for a wide range of reasons, including those outside of your control, such as lack of available funds. However, there are a number of common failure reasons that you can control - which you need to avoid if you are to successfully gain funding.

Here we are looking generally at approaches to grant funders, but the lessons are relevant to all types of funders.

Unclear application

A common reason for a bid not being successful is when the applicant/organisation does not state clearly what they want to do. Too many applications talk about what has previously been achieved and the longer-term plans for the organisation without giving clear and basic information, relevant to that particular bid. A funder should be able to tell what you want to do, when, why and how from one read-through of your bid.

A second problem for applications is the use of language. You can generally write your bid as you would talk about it to someone. It is unnecessary and counter-productive to write an application in "funder" language or in a way that you think will impress. Making a bid is not an English test and your applications should be clear and to the point. Funders find it frustrating if they have to read and re-read bids due to the language used.

No evidence of need

A surprising number of funding bids show no evidence of need for the project. If you have evidence that there is a need or demand for what you want to do then include that information. The funder cannot guess or presume - they need to have the evidence in front of them.

Also avoid justifying the need for a project by saying that you or your committee think it is necessary. Questions on need are normally looking for wider justification or consultation.

Poor track record, perception or relationship

If your group or project has a poor record of delivering on previous projects, or a negative perception, then this may well count against you when bidding for funds. Similarly, if you have a poor record of returning information to a funder, or carrying out a project as described, then the funder is going to be less likely to make a new grant to your group or organisation. Always strive to build up a positive relationship with a funder.

Poorly planned project

You need to demonstrate that you have thought your project through and all the related issues. You also need to demonstrate how the project is a response or a solution to the need that you identified. The last thing a funder wants to hear you say is that you "we hadn't thought of that" or " we don't know".

It is important to make sure that you include all relevant issues in preparing a project. For example, if you are bidding for new equipment, have you thought about insurance, maintenance and replacement? If you are going to employ a member of staff who will do the payroll, will you pay a pension contribution and where will you advertise the post?

Badly costed

This is a very common failure reason with projects that are often costed too high, too low or too vaguely. It is important to base your budget on quotes or comparable projects and to be able to justify the costs in discussion with the funder.

Ineligible

The majority of funders have rules over eligibility and will only fund certain types of projects. It is important to check, prior to spending any time or energy on drawing up a full application, that your project is eligible. Many funders are happy to discuss an outline idea with organisations - either over the telephone - or they will respond to an outline plan.

Finding out that your project is ineligible at the end of the process is perhaps the most frustrating of all the common failure reasons.

Incomplete applications

Different funders require different information from applicants before they will make a decision. Some funders will go back to the applicant if information is missing; others may not have the time or inclination or they will see it as a negative indication of the organisation's abilities.

The guidance that most funders will send out normally gives a clear indication of what information you need to submit with your bid. Some funders ask for multiple copies of certain documents to save them the time and expense of photocopying.

Information that funders often request can include:- accounts, bank details, business plans, a copy of your constitution and budgets. If they ask for any of these then you need to submit them.