Whether you're a charity, startup, researcher, community group, or creative practitioner, securing
grant funding in the UK is competitive. A strong application can be the difference between getting
funded and getting overlooked.
1. Understand the Funder and Their Priorities
• Read all guidelines thoroughly. Understand the funder’s objectives, values, and what types of
projects they support.
• Check eligibility criteria. These may include geographic location, organisation type, income level,
and project focus.
• Use their language. If they talk about “social impact,” “capacity building,” or “community
resilience,” reflect that terminology in your application (honestly).
Avoid assuming one-size-fits-all. Tailoring your application is essential.
2. Define a Clear and Specific Project
• Describe the problem you’re addressing clearly. Use evidence: stats, testimonials, or lived
experience.
• Outline your solution and how it works. What exactly will you do? When? How?
• Be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals.
Avoid being too vague, overly ambitious, or using unexplained jargon.
3. Build a Realistic and Transparent Budget
• Break down costs clearly. Include staff time, materials, equipment, overheads, and contingency.
• Explain how each cost links to project delivery.
• Include match funding or in-kind contributions if possible (and required).
Avoid inflating or underestimating costs or omitting admin expenses.
4. Show Impact and Outcomes
• Explain what success looks like. What will change? For whom?
• Include outputs (activities delivered) and outcomes (impact created).
• Demonstrate sustainability — what happens after the grant ends?
Avoid making unsupported claims or overpromising.
5. Demonstrate Need and Demand
• Include community consultation, surveys, testimonials, or case studies.
• Explain why this funding is timely — is there an urgent need?
Avoid assuming the need is obvious or not showing community support.
6. Make Your Application Easy to Read
• Use headings, bullet points, and plain English.
• Stick to word limits.
• Proofread — or better: get someone else to.
Avoid dense walls of text or unnecessary repetition.
7. Make It Stand Out
• Tell a compelling story. Funders remember human narratives.
• Show credibility with past successes, partnerships, or testimonials.
• Be authentic. Let your passion and purpose shine.
Avoid sounding generic or too technical.
8. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
• Missing the deadline.
• Not answering questions directly.
• Attaching unrequested documents.
• Using outdated data.
• Failing to explain how you’ll measure success.
Checklist Before Submitting
Read the guidance and eligibility again.
Tailored the application to this funder.
Explained clearly what your project is and why it matters.
Included a realistic budget and clear outcomes.
Had someone review it for clarity.
Bonus Tip: Keep a Copy
Always keep a copy of your application, budget, and attachments for reporting and future
applications