Competing for funding.
WHAT FUNDERS ASSESS
Whether the problem is real Whether your approach will address it Whether you can deliver Whether the budget is credible Whether you can account for the money
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE APPLYING
Whether you genuinely fit the criteria.
WHY
Applications are laborious and ineligible ones waste weeks.
WHAT TO READ CAREFULLY
The criteria What they will and will not fund The assessment process The reporting obligations
WHAT TO ANSWER
Every question, in the order asked, within the limits given.
WHY IN ORDER
Assessment is scored against the questions.
WHAT MAKES AN APPLICATION STRONG
Evidence of the problem A clear, realistic plan A credible budget Evidence you have delivered before Specific, measurable outcomes
WHAT MAKES ONE WEAK
Generalities about need Plans with no detail Budgets that do not add up Outcomes that cannot be measured Asking for more than you can deliver
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN THE BUDGET
The full cost, including a share of running costs.
WHY
Programmes budgeted without overhead cannot actually be delivered.
WHAT TO BE HONEST ABOUT
Risks and what could go wrong.
WHY
Funders respect it and find the gaps anyway.
WHAT TO KEEP
Every application, and the feedback.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT REJECTION
Ask why, and apply the answer.
