Writing a funding application can feel daunting. It is often the final hurdle between your organisation and the resources you need to change lives.
While every funder has different forms, they are all looking for the same four things. If you can answer these clearly, you are already ahead of the competition.
1. Check Eligibility (The “Don’t Waste Time” Rule) This is the most “obvious” step, but also the most ignored.
The Check: Do you meet the criteria for organisation type (e.g., Registered Charity vs Community Group)? Is your income below their threshold? Does your work match their specific priorities?
The Strategy: If you are unsure, call them. It is better to spend 5 minutes on the phone than 5 hours writing an application for a fund you were never eligible for.
2. Demonstrate Need (The “Why” Rule) Funders don’t fund activities; they fund solutions to problems.
The Check: Have you clearly set out why this project is necessary right now?
The Strategy: Don’t just say “it’s needed.” Prove it. Use your own waiting lists, local data, or cite national evidence—like the findings from our Women in Recovery or Prison Drug Treatment research—to back up your case.
3. Detail Activity (The “What” Rule) Be specific. Vague aspirations don’t get funded; concrete plans do.
The Check: Have you explained exactly what you are going to deliver?
The Strategy: Use numbers. How many sessions? How often? For how many people? (e.g., “We will run two peer-support groups per week for 12 weeks, reaching 40 unique individuals.”)
4. Show Impact (The “So What?” Rule) This is the difference between “output” (what you did) and “outcome” (what changed).
The Check: Have you explained the difference your work will make to a human life?
The Strategy: How will you measure this? Will you use surveys, the CHIME framework, or case studies? Show the funder that you are serious about results.
Ready to Apply? Now that you have the checklist, revisit the opportunities we’ve shared so far:
