Craven Events

Do:

• Make sure you have the correct an up to date contact name, address etc.
• Check the latest guidelines and use them
• If the Trust or Funding body has a website then make use of it
• Keep within 2 sides of A4
• Keep it clear and logical, write short sentences
• Meet any deadlines
• Plan ahead
• Answer all questions
• Have a realistic budget
• Make applications specific, use facts/figures/evidence
• Clarify the legal structure of your organisation
• Ask for a specific amount of money
• Get to the point in first paragraph
• Mention if you have applied before (even if you were unsuccessful)
• Enclose the latest Annual Accounts and all requested information
• Make sure you include all the documentation that is requested
• Choose your referees carefully
• Make sure your referees have a copy of the proposal/letter
• Include letters of support from relevant prominent people or organisations where applicable
• Check the spelling and sign the letter
• Ask someone outside the organisation to comment on the content of the application

Do Not:

• Hand write your applications unless your writing is very neat
• Write a begging letter
• Send a standard or duplicate letter
• Rush applications
• Assume the funder knows about your organisation or the work you do
• Use jargon or abbreviations
• Generalise
• Patronise the funder or beneficiaries
• Waffle or be extremely vague
• Submit lots of supplementary information
• Make emotional pleas
• Have any spelling or grammatical errors
• Write long applications and then apologise
• Send Christmas cards or raffle tickets
• Forget to thank the funder
• Forget to comply with the conditions of the grant/award
• Lose files referring to grant applications
• Give up! If in doubt ask the funder for help