5 Simple Tips for Writing a Winning Grant Application
By Stephanie Akerman
Grants can be a lifeline for charities, community groups, small businesses, and local councils looking to fund essential projects. The right grant can provide much-needed financial support to bring your ideas to life, whether it's a community garden, a youth programme, or a business expansion.
Why Are Grants So Important?
For many organisations, grants are an important source of funding. They allow you to cover the costs of projects that might otherwise be impossible to complete. Unlike loans, grants don’t need to be paid back, making them a highly desirable option for non-profits, local councils, and even small businesses looking for financial assistance.
Grants can come from several sources:
Government: Local councils, regional authorities, and central government departments often provide funding for projects that benefit the community or meet national goals, such as improving public health, education, or local infrastructure.
Charitable foundations: There are many charitable trusts and foundations that distribute funds to support causes that align with their mission, such as social welfare, education, or environmental sustainability.
Businesses: Some companies offer grants as part of their commitment to corporate social responsibility, aiming to support local communities, entrepreneurship, or charitable activities.
Here are some free, accessible resources for finding grants and funding for your project:
UnLtd Awards: Offers funding and support for social entrepreneurs to help grow or start their social venture, with up to £18,000 available.
The Prince’s Trust – Business Funding: Offers grants and loans for young entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business, with opportunities for up to £30,000 in start-up funding.
National Lottery Community Fund: A major source of funding for community projects across the UK.
Charity Excellence Framework – Funding Finder: A free tool for finding available grants for charities, non-profits, and social enterprises.
Grants are often highly competitive, so a well-prepared application can significantly improve your chances of success.
However, the grant application process can be daunting. With many organisations applying for the same funds, how can you make sure your application stands out from the crowd?
In this blog, I’ll share 5 key tips to help you write a grant application that gets noticed. Whether you’re new to grant writing or you’ve done it before, these tips will guide you through the process and help increase your chances of success.
1. Make Sure You Know What the Funder Wants
Before you start your application, take some time to learn about the funder. Every grant provider has certain things they want to support, and it’s important that your project fits with what they’re looking for. Don’t send the same application to every funder – make sure each one is tailored to what that funder wants to achieve.
What to Do:
Check their website: Read through the funder’s mission and what kinds of projects they’ve supported before.
Look at the types of projects they fund: See if your project is similar to those they’ve already backed.
Make sure your project fits: Show how your project lines up with their interests and what they want to support.
Example:
If a funder focuses on social enterprises, show how your business or project makes a difference. For example: “Our social venture provides training to unemployed people, helping them gain new skills and re-enter the job market.” and if the funder focuses on community development, explain how your project will help people in your local area, whether through events, improving spaces, or offering support services.
2. Be Clear About What Your Project Is and How It Will Work
Funders need to understand exactly what your project is and how you’ll use the money. Keep things simple and to the point. Tell them what you’re going to do, how you’ll do it, and what you expect to achieve.
What to Do:
Describe your project simply: Explain what your project is in a few clear sentences.
Be specific: Tell the funder what will happen, who will be involved, and what difference the project will make.
Break down the costs: Make sure the funder knows how the money will be spent by including a detailed budget.
Example:
Instead of saying, “We want to increase community engagement,” say something like: “We plan to hold three community events over the next six months, with at least 150 people attending each one.” or Instead of saying, “We want to support small businesses,” be more specific: “We plan to run six workshops for 30 local entrepreneurs, offering guidance on business planning and securing funding.”
3. Show Why Your Project Is Important
Funders want to support projects that make a real difference. Explain why your project matters and how it will help your community or the people you’re working with. Use examples, data, or stories to show the funder why your project is needed.
How to Do It:
Use facts or research: If possible, back up your project’s need with local data or statistics.
Share personal stories: If your project helps people directly, share a quote or story from someone who will benefit.
Explain the impact: Tell the funder what positive change your project will bring, whether it’s improving skills, creating opportunities, or supporting local services.
Example:
For a youth programme, you could say: “In our area, youth unemployment is 15%, which is much higher than the national average. This project will provide skills training and job support for 50 young people, helping them find work.”
4. Have a Simple Project Plan
Funders want to know how the project will happen. Create a plan that outlines what you’ll do, when you’ll do it, and who will be responsible. A good project plan shows the funder that you’re organised and ready to start.
What to Include:
A timeline: Lay out the main steps in your project and when each one will happen.
Key moments: Point out the key activities or outcomes you’ll reach during the project.
Who’s responsible: Show the funder who will be in charge of different parts of the project.
Example:
If you’re applying for a grant to run a community event, your plan might look like this:
Month 1: Secure a venue and permits.
Month 2: Promote the event and recruit volunteers.
Month 3: Host the event and gather feedback.
5. Prove That You Can Deliver the Project
Funders want to make sure their money is going to an organisation that can get the job done. Show them that you and your team have the experience and know-how to make the project happen. Share examples of similar work you’ve done in the past to show that you’re up to the task.
What to Include:
About your organisation: Give a short overview of what your organisation does and what you’ve achieved.
Examples of past success: Share details of previous projects that were successful and explain how they helped the community or achieved results.
Your team: Highlight the key people involved in the project and explain their skills and experience.
Example:
If you’ve run successful community projects before, talk about them. For example, you might say, “Our last project helped reduce food waste in the local area by 20%, and involved over 500 households. We expect this new project to build on those results by expanding the programme to 800 households.”
If you’re a social entrepreneur, you might say: “Our team has helped over 50 people find employment through our skills training programme, and we’re expanding our reach to include an additional 50 trainees next year.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best projects can fail if the application has common mistakes. Here are a few things to avoid:
Not following the rules: Always follow the funder’s guidelines. If you miss a key requirement or leave out information, your application could be rejected.
Being too vague: Funders need clear details. Make sure your application is specific and to the point.
No supporting evidence: Back up your claims with facts, examples, or research where possible. Don’t just say something – show why it’s true.
Take Action on These Tips
Writing a grant application can feel daunting, but following these simple steps will put you in a strong position to succeed. Funders are looking for projects that are well thought out, clearly explained, and demonstrate impact. By avoiding common mistakes and making sure your application is detailed and tailored to the funder’s goals, you’ll give your project the best possible chance.
It’s also important to remember that the grant process is often competitive, so persistence is key. If your application is unsuccessful, don't be discouraged. Use any feedback to improve future submissions and keep applying. Building relationships with funders and showing that you understand their goals can lead to more success in the long term.
Finally, be sure to take advantage of the free resources available to help you through this process. From budget templates to expert advice, there are plenty of tools to make writing your application easier.
Need More Help? Download My Free Grant Writing Starter Guide
Writing a grant application doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these tips, you’ll have a better chance of getting the funding you need to make your project a success.
If you want more help, download my free Grant Writing Starter Guide. It walks you through the process and shows you how to avoid common mistakes.
