What funders want

June was a great month for Better Story’s clients. Our Trusts and Foundations team brought in a good haul of grants, including £10,000 to support a new online mental health support project, £5,000 to support vulnerable Christians living in the Holy Land, and £9,000 to help offenders and ex-offenders unlock their creativity through the arts.

We’re honoured to work alongside such committed and passionate charities, helping them raise the resources they need to make a difference.

What do funders really want to see?

We asked our team to share their top tips for writing those tricky grant applications.

Nicky says: “Answer the question.”

Our Trusts and Foundations Manager Nicky has assessed hundreds of applications and competitive bids and knows the most common mistakes applicants make.

The top error is trying to shoehorn information into places it doesn’t belong. So, if the funder asks you to give them a brief synopsis of the project, begin with: “Our project is…” Don’t start telling them all about your organisation or its history.

Kathryn says: “Put yourself in the funder’s shoes.”

Imagine it’s your money in the bank. You’ve worked hard for it. Or perhaps someone you love has left a legacy when they passed away. You want to make sure it is spent properly and will have the biggest impact on a cause you are - or they were - passionate about.

A grant application needs to make the funder feel something, without being overly emotional or sentimental.

Diane says: “Share inspring stories early on.”

Share stories that build empathy early on in the application if you can. Quotes, photographs and case studies from real beneficiaries helps to connect the passion of your potential funder with your work on the ground.

Anna says: “Don’t assume they know you.”

Even if you’ve already got a relationship with one of the trustees, still put 100% effort into the application. Don’t forget, that trustee will need the backing of the other decision-makers too. Make the person you already have that relationship with proud.

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Get in touch if you’d like to see how the team could help your charity.