Funding opportunities for early years groups

Some useful tips on submitting bids for funds

The majority of funding bodies receive many applications and are able to fund only a small percentage. It is very important that you choose wisely, identify the right funder to meet your needs, and present your information correctly. Here are 12 useful tips to help you get the right funding.

1. It is unwise to spend time on an application on the off-chance that it may suit the criteria of the funding body. Find out whom you should speak to in the organisation and call or email them, outlining what you intend to apply for.

2. Be realistic about what you want. Funders easily see through a ‘wish list’.

3. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to different funding bodies depending on their particular focus or interest.

4. Completing an application is a considerable task. Don’t underestimate the time it will take. Check the closing dates, income thresholds, etc, and make sure your bid will match the required criteria.

5. A lead person should be nominated to pull together the application and keep to the timescales, although it will take support and input from others in the team.

6. The lead person must keep a copy of the final completed application, and have a very good understanding of it. Many funding bodies make contact for further information or to clarify a specific point.

7. If the application requires further attachments such as financial reports, registration certificates, etc, ensure that these are submitted with the bid. (Remember to copy everything!)

8. Take time reading over the whole form before you begin completing it. Fill in all the easy bits first - name, address, etc. - and highlight any questions which will require information from somewhere/someone else.

9. Begin your application with a brief summary, which should be clear and to the point.

10. Answer what is asked at each question and not any more. Otherwise you will find yourself giving information which is asked for later in the form.

11. Avoid jargon and abbreviations, but know what the key buzz words are and use them appropriately.

12. Finally, proofreading is essential. Make sure the whole application is checked more than once and ask someone whose background is in a completely different area of work to do the final check.