Sophie Buck · Trust fundraising
Are we eligible and is this a convincing fit?
Start with the rules that can rule an application out: geography, legal structure, income, beneficiaries, eligible costs and exclusions. Then ask a different question: even if we can apply, why would this funder choose to support this work? Eligibility is the threshold, not the whole case.
Is the project clear enough to cost and deliver?
Write down who will benefit, what will happen, where, how often and who will deliver it. If those questions still have several possible answers, a little project development may be more valuable than jumping straight into drafting. A promising idea becomes a stronger proposal when the practical decisions are visible.
Do we have evidence of need and of a sensible response?
Bring together relevant data, what people using the service tell you, your delivery experience and any useful external evidence. Distinguish evidence that a problem exists from evidence that your proposed response is appropriate. Be open about what you know and what you still need to learn.
Does the budget match the story?
A proposal promising accessible, well-supported delivery needs a budget that makes that possible. Check staff time, management, venues, travel, materials, monitoring and relevant overheads. Explain assumptions. Don’t hide essential delivery costs just to make the headline ask look smaller.
Can we make the timetable work?
Allow for the funder’s decision time, your internal approvals and the practical lead-in to delivery. Recruitment, permissions and partnerships may all take time. Agree who will provide information, who will review the application and who has authority to submit it.
A useful next step
Make a short apply / don’t apply / develop first note before starting. That note can identify the strongest rationale, gaps to close and any decision that needs a colleague or trustee. It helps you invest effort where it has a credible purpose, rather than chasing every available deadline.
Would some support be useful?
Explore the relevant service, what it includes and its indicative fee.
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