How to create and structure your funding plan
Having selected an appropriate funding source for your project, you will then need to focus on creating a funding plan for your application. The research you will already have carried out should mean that you will have good knowledge for the main elements that your plan will include.
Also, your research on finding a suitable funder should help you to build your application using the correct tone, language and certain aspects of your project that your funder may relate to. Each application must be tailored to the requirements of the funder, different applications may benefit from different emphases but as a generic rule there needs to be a clear, thought through structure to your plan with good reference and support material. Try to avoid sending a circular appeal to a host of different funding organisations.
Try and present your application in a clear easy to read format, use specific headings and, where necessary, bullet. Below are a few general suggestions for things to consider when producing a funding plan:
Preparation
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Approach similar organisations who have bid successfully and learn from their experience.
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Talk to your Local Education Authority. Can they offer advice on submission completion?
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When considering case studies, try to identify the key factors that helped specific bids to succeed. Can these be adopted in your plan?
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Collate the evidence, support material and inputs of all those involved.
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Check your work; does the content of your application support the plan?
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Make sure you know exactly how much funding you need.
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Generate a working draft of your Funding Plan – include your team.
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Distribute some of the project work load, involve your team.
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Do your research.
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If forms are not required for your application, keep the structure of your proposal clear and concise.
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Align the content to the criteria and structure your application towards the funding body you are applying to.
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Consider what else you can add to make your application stand out
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Remember to include forecasted costs for maintenance and ongoing development. Think beyond the funding, and how the work will continue after current funding ends.
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Circulate for comment within your team and have the final draft proof read.
Building your plan
- Outline your overall plan and your vision for play environments. Try to describe the project and what it will deliver as clearly and concisely as possible. What are its unique selling points, what will happen and when?
- Demonstrate the needs of your project involving the site and community.
- Bring out ‘punchy’ facts, for example ‘x’ no. of children in the area has lacked ‘y’ facility/service for ‘z’ no. of years.
- Consider the requirements and priorities of the funding body.
- Summarise the scope and key elements of the project to be funded.
- Highlight the key points of your Funding Plan. Define the benefits, both to the children and the community. Try to relate these to the funder’s interests. How many children will directly benefit and in what way?
- Demonstrate why should they award funding to you? Play Devil’s Advocate!
- Identify the evidence to support your application and project.
- Offer to talk to or meet with the funding body so they can gain a better understanding of their requirements and priorities.
- Be clear about why you need the money and what it is needed for. Is it for a specific piece of play equipment or service? How long do you want the grant for? Many funders like to see specific unit cost benefits, e.g. a grant of £x will pay for y people to do z
- Summary: end off by summarising how a grant or donation will make a real difference for children and/or the community.
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Click here to download the Russell Play Helpful Guide to Funding. |
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