Funding application forms

The key thing to remember when faced with a daunting application form is that it is your opportunity to sell your project. Funders use forms to give all applicants an equal opportunity and because they need to be able to compare applications. Be prepared to give information about your organisation as well as the project you are applying for.

When you get an application pack, it's vital that you read any guidance notes. If you don't, you may waste time on applications when you are ineligible or provide inadequate information. If you have doubts about your eligibility or anything else on the form, check directly with the funder. Before you send off the form, make sure you include any necessary supporting information. Funders may ask for documents such as your constitution or equal opportunities and volunteer policies.

It's a good idea to establish a central source of information about your organisation and projects which can be used for all funding applications and which can be easily updated.

Find out more about other fundraising issues and examples in the In more depth section.