Funding for a purpose.
WHAT FUNDERS ARE ASSESSING
Whether the purpose matches what they fund Whether the need is real Whether your approach will work Whether you can deliver and account for the money What will result
WHY ALIGNMENT FIRST
Applications outside a funder's priorities are rejected regardless of quality.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Exactly what the funder supports, from their own published criteria.
WHAT TO AVOID
Reshaping your project to fit a fund you do not really match.
WHY
It produces obligations you cannot meet and projects that do not serve you.
WHAT AN APPLICATION TYPICALLY REQUIRES
The problem and evidence of it What you propose to do Who benefits and how many The outcomes expected How they will be measured A budget Your capability and track record Governance and financial management Sustainability after the funding ends
WHY SUSTAINABILITY IS ASKED
Funders do not wish to create dependence.
WHAT TO ADDRESS
What continues after the grant, honestly.
WHAT MAKES A STRONG APPLICATION
Evidence rather than assertion Specific measurable outcomes A realistic budget Demonstrated capability Clear connection between activities and outcomes
WHAT WEAKENS ONE
Vague outcomes Budgets that do not match activities Overstated reach Activities with no clear link to the stated problem
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT OUTCOMES
What will be different, and how it will be shown.
WHY
Outcomes that cannot be measured cannot be reported, and reporting is required.
WHAT TO BE REALISTIC ABOUT
What can be achieved with the amount requested.
