Trusts and foundations can be an excellent source of income for smaller organisations, but the process of applying for funding can be both time consuming and intimidating. There are high quality training courses and useful reosurces available from many local and national organistaions such as the Directory of Social Change, but this article provides a few pointers to get you started if you are considering rasing money in this way
Get your story right. Before you start applying, spend time preparing a written document that describes who you are, why you need the funding and the difference any grants will make to your work. Often called a ‘case for support’ or ‘statement of needs’, this will form the basis of future applications.
Do your research. Based on the ‘case for support’, research suitable funders whose interests and funding priorities match what you are seeking to do. There are many local national and interest specific databases and books available with lists of trusts and foundations which you can use. Check to see whether any exclusions apply or whether there are particular conditions or timescales for applications for each trust.
Check your contacts list. There is an old adage in fundraising, ‘people give to people’. Trusts are managed by groups of people, each of whom will bring their own interests, connections and passions to any decisions the trust makes on who to fund. You may well have trustees of trusts amongst your staff, governing body or members, or if not these groups may well know someone who is. It is well worth checking and, if you do find a connection; considering if you can set up a meeting or conversation, before you send in any formal application. Person to person contact, if appropriate, may well increase the chances of a successful bid.
Find the time. Applying to trusts and foundations is undoubtedly time consuming, with each trust having its own requirements and expectations for an application. You also need to factor in the time, should the bid be successful, to meet any thanking and reporting requirements that the trust may have.
Structure expectations. Rarely do you get quick anwers from trusts (unless for emergency funding) and even with the best of applications, that match the funding priorities of the funder, there is no guarantee of success. Be prepared for the process to take up to six months from the first application sent to the first cheque recieved and be ready for post saying ‘no’ as well as ‘yes’.
Can I help? I have been raising money from trusts and foundation, for many different causes, for over 20 years. If you are looking for help to get started in this area, please feel to contact me