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WVA Virtual Funding Workbook - Section Two

This is where we start pulling together some wording to begin the project plan / bid.  Using the work you did on Section One about understanding what you do, you can then start articulating it.

 

Research Some Funders

Have a look at the funders’ list of criteria, it will generally say what they will and won’t fund.  If the funder won’t fund what you want to do, walk away, DON’T attempt to squash what you do or want to do into someone else’s view of the world.  For those funding opportunities where you do fit into the criteria, have a look at the questions and have a go at answering them.

Generally, the questions are to get a good overview of the project and the people it supports so that the funding panel can decide if they want to put money towards it.  It, therefore, gives you a good opportunity to think about how you might want to form the project or how to frame any existing work.  If you have a go at answering these questions, it will encourage you to think about the different elements.

You can always try our ‘Sample Questions’, they are based on questions asked by funders that encourage you to think about the approach you might want to take.  You can have a go at answering them and from those answers, you can either copy and paste them into an application form if they fit the question or use them to form a project plan (depending on what you are applying for).

 

Some Hints and Tips

  1. Read the full application form first – bullet point comments in all the questions to make sure you have the points in the right place allowing you to then expand on them.
  2. Try to explain things simply, don’t use twenty words when ten would do.  Get to the point quickly, panels have a lot of applications to read if they have to decipher what you are talking about there is a strong chance they will be put off.
  3. Use language that works outside the sector / organisation / context.  Try not to use acronyms or technical speak, a lot of panel members aren’t from the voluntary sector and you need them to understand you. The easier you can make it to read the more success it will have.
  4. Pay attention to the word count (if there is one) it shows where they place the value.  The word count is there for a reason, it tells you to what depth they want you to explain what you are doing or who you are.
  5. Make sure you actually answer the question, don’t just put filler in or stuff you might want to add in because you think it will look good.  Panel members notice when you haven’t answered the question and they can perceive the filler to be that you don’t have an answer to the question.
  6. Talk from the heart and be honest but not from a soapbox!

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Warrington Voluntary Action supports the development of a vibrant, thriving and sustainable VCSE sector to meet the diverse needs of local communities.