Advisory Note 2. Our Top 10 Tips for Writing a Successful Funding Bid

 

Over the years, we have been instrumental in securing millions of pounds from a wide range of competitive UK and European funding programmes for small scale projects and large complex projects and programmes. Here are our top 10 tips for writing a strong proposal to secure public funding for your project:

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1. Follow the funders criteria

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Familiarise yourself with all the available funds and the respective bidding processes. Carefully and accurately follow the criteria of the funding body, not simply what you want. Your bid's outcomes need to be in step with those of the funder's. But do not compromise your project idea simply to secure some funding – find another funding source, otherwise you may not end up tackling the problem you are trying to solve.

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2. Present your proposal as a solution to a particular problem

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Explain clearly the problem to be solved and back it up with a robust evidence base to demonstrate there is a need. You will need to show how you have identified the need for your service and engaged with the intended audience.

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3. Think outside the box

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Show how your project will tackle a problem in a creative or innovative way. Demonstrate how your project will tackle an old problem in a refreshingly effective way.

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4. Demonstrate synergy with local and strategic priorities

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Show how your project fits into the wider context and meets local needs (LEP, Council and other strategic bodies)

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5. Consult with stakeholders and potential beneficiaries

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Demonstrate you know what the local community/your target audience needs and document your engagement with your target audience.

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6. Have a clear vision

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Be clear about what you want to achieve, what that will look like and what the benefits will be.

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7. Demonstrate a strong rationale and robust business case

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To secure funding you will need to present a strong rationale and a robust business case. Set out clearly the nature of the problem you are seeking to address and the market failure that requires public intervention. Clearly describe your proposed solution and ensure your outcomes are tangible, clear and measurable. Use primary research (surveys, questionnaires, etc) as well as secondary (available data and reports from third parties). Describe how the proposal will be implemented, how you will measure success, what you would do if things go wrong.

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8. Have a clear and realistic budget

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Demonstrate how the money will be spent and how long the project will take. Be clear on what you can and cannot do within any notional budget figure indicated by the funder. Understand what you can cut back on (in case you are asked to reduce the amount you are bidding for). Appropriate arrangements and mechanisms for managing any funds awarded need to be put in place at the outset as it can be a complex and resource intensive process.

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9. Demonstrate your credibility and track record

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You must show your organisation to be capable, credible and visionary, with definite aims and objectives. If appropriate, produce and submit something like an annual report to showcase your credibility and track record. 

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10. Present a clear and well thought out Project Plan

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A project plan is the formal document that defines the project management processes that will be used to execute and control the project. Preparing and submitting a project plan as part of a funding bid is a pre-requisite in many funding programmes. This document should provide detailed task level information and show your timeline. It should also describe how you will decide whether your project has been successful, including an outline of the details of your evaluation plan, describing how you will show, at the end of the project, the investment was a good one.