Transcript Slide 1
1. Project planning
2. Making applications
Anne Pearson, Robertson Trust
Jean Robertson, Scottish Borders Council
Evelyn Boyd, Big Lottery Fund
Good planning =
Good application
“The key to a successful project is in the
planning.”
“Often project planning is ignored in favour of
getting on with the job. However, many people
fail to realise the value of a project plan in saving
time, money and many problems…..
…….and achieving successful funding applications!
Source:
Projectsmart.co.uk
Planning your project
• proportionate to size of your project
• ‘plan first’, as a separate document to your
funding applications – then complete each
application from your plan
• think about the aims of your funders as you
plan
Step by step
1.Your organisation - An outline of:
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how you are set up (your governance)
your group’s aims
what you do now
your skills and track record
the people you work with
Step by step
2.Your project – (the piece of work you want to deliver).
Need - describe:
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what you have done so far to establish needs
who you have consulted
what you have learned from consulting
the types of people you will work with
how the needs you have identified affect their lives
Step by step
3.Outcomes - (change or difference you want to make)
• change or difference you want to make to the lives of
people.
• reason why you are doing the project.
• think about what you want the ‘after picture’ to look
like.
• what will be improved, reduced, enhanced…?
Step by step
4.Project delivery - (what will you actually do?)
Describe the specific activities, services or facilities you will
deliver to achieve your outcomes – step by step.
Include:
• when you will start and finish the project
• a timescale for the stages in between
• who will be involved
• how many people will benefit
• where it will take place
• how it will be managed
Step by step
5. Resources - (the things or budget you need to support the
delivery)
• looking at your activity plan, list everything you will need to
deliver it.
• be accurate – include your treasurer in discussions – make
sure it adds up
• research your costs, base on quotes/estimates where
possible.
• salaries – include related costs e.g. N.I. Pension
• capital projects – remember professional and statutory fees –
contingency if eligible plus VAT
• list any assumptions you have made to justify your costs
Step by step
6. Funding package -(how will you fund this work?)
• own cash
• in-kind (where in-kind can be linked directly to
listed project costs)
• funders (who are you applying to? for how
much? status of application?).
Step by step
7. Marketing/promotion/publicity - (how will you
let people know about your project and how they can get
involved)?
• who are your target audience?
• what different methods will you use to reach
them?
• how often will you communicate?
Step by step
8. Monitoring & Evaluation -(What have you achieved, what
did you plan to achieve and how do you know whether you have achieved
it?)
Monitoring: (collecting information and keeping track of the project).
• how many sessions, how many people, locations etc…
Evaluation: (have you achieved your outcomes)?
Helps you to:
• learn from the project
• asses the effectiveness of a piece of work
• highlight whether your project is moving steadily and successfully
towards achieving what it set out to do (its outcomes) or whether it
is moving in a different direction!
• celebrate and build on successes - as well as learn from what has
not worked so well.
Any Questions
???
Hints and tips to make your
application stronger
Hints and tips
• Start preparing as early as possible
• Check eligibility of organisation, activity and
costs
• Make sure your contact details are correct
and they are available!
• Remember all funds are different
• Read the guidance.
Hints and tips
• Explain clearly what you want to do
• Make sure you know your name and that
it’s the same as your constitution and other
documents
• Use sources of help and if unsure about
anything don’t be scared to ask
• Ask for the amount of money and length of
time you need.
Hints and tips
• Check you have included any
additional documentation required
• Check and recheck before
sending application
• Get someone else to read over
your application.
5 reasons why
applications fail
1. The applicant is not eligible to apply
2. Project isn’t explained clearly
3. The budget is unconvincing and
unrealistic
4. The applicant misses the deadline
5. The form is incomplete or illegible.
5 reasons why
applications succeed
1. The need for activity is strongly evidenced
2. The applicant has a relationship with the
funder
3. The funder can see what they are getting
for their money
4. The application fits the criteria, outcomes
and priorities.
5. The applicant has a track record and
monitoring procedures are in place.
Evidencing need
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Statistics – relevant to your project
Gap in provision
Existing provision doesn’t meet demand
Think about need and demand
Evidence from current or previous activity
– successes and lessons learned
Sources of help
1. CVS or third sector interface
2. Local authority funding officer
3. Websites
4. Funders themselves
www.scotlandfundersforum.org.uk
Funding intergenerational
activity
•Big Lottery Fund
•Robertson Trust
•Lloyds TSB Foundation
•Comic Relief
•Creative Scotland
•Age Scotland