FINANCIAL SUPPORT –

Seeking a Grant

        Many societies, service, sports clubs and other organisations seek financial support to help them carry out their worthwhile projects. They often turn to trustees of philanthropic trusts for financial help.

        The trustees of philanthropic organisations are usually very busy people.

        If you represent an organisation and want to apply for a grant, your application should be brief, clear and factual.

        Explain the purpose of your project, how the money will be spent and who will benefit.

A Handful of tips to present a persuasive case for financial help

*First do your homework

Seek trusts that have objectives in line with your needs.

        Prepare a brief but comprehensive statement of the nature of the project, it’s purpose and its importance.

        Where will it be carried out, who will carry it out and who will benefit.

        Estimate the costs.

        Work out a timetable.

        Obtain details of the experiences and the background qualifications of people involved in carrying out the plan.

* Prepare your proposal

Edit it to cut out any unnecessary words.

* Be positive

Be enthusiastic with your writing and make sure you are factually correct with your statements.

* Your title page

It should be well set out and explicit.

Bold and simple with headings like:-

————————————————————

PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH….               

AT….
SUBITTED TO….

On ….(date)

BY….(your name and address)   

————————————————————-

* The body should contain

• Your purpose and objective.
  • How the project will be carried out.
  • Who will carry it out and their qualifications for this task.
  • Contacts for further information.
  • A list of referees.
  • A timetable.
  • A budget.
  • How it will be evaluated or monitored.
  • How the results will be reported and the impact of the results.       

*Appearances are important

       Proposals are partly judged on layout and general appearances.

        Use quality paper wide margins, plenty of white space, list headings and sub-headings and an attractive cover.

        If they ask for six copies –  send them six copies.

Geoffrey Moss(mossociates.co.nz)

“Few things can replace enthusiasm, persistence and determination of purpose.”

For those in need,  download our FREE book “NO JOB! WHAT NOW? available from our website.

Source: Time-Savers, Moss Associates .Ltd  New Zealand; McGraw-Hill, Australia; Times Business Books,  a Federal Publishing House, Singapore and  Qingdao Publishing House, China.