NPG presents a selection of our top tips to maximise
fundraising prospects for non-profit organisations.
Here are ten we’ve selected from our own experience:
- Write your applications in such a way that after the decision-makers read it, they will be hesitant and feel reluctant to refuse it. It needs to be compelling, without compromising on integrity.
- It’s great to write about your organisation and what you want to do. However, you must be specific about exactly what you want to deliver. Detail all elements of delivery. Don’t be generic in your responses.
- Bring the application to life. Add a real story/case study (but keep it brief) about how your work has benefited someone.
- We know you need the funding. However, don’t compromise on integrity. Don’t twist and bend your project to meet the funding criteria. Keep it authentic. When you try to wing it, it is easily detectable. There will be plenty of funders that will be a good match for your needs.
- Never underestimate the importance of involving people with lived experience in developing your project idea. Projects that have grassroots involvement in the development of an idea resonates loudly with funders and are more effective in getting results.
- Ensure consistency and synergy. If your application for funding does not tell the same story as your website, annual report, charity objectives, and your social media, it shows inconsistency and these contradictions could raise concerns with funding bodies. Again, integrity is important.
- Don’t over-apply. If your previous turnover was very small, many funders will be reluctant to give you a large amount, when your organisation doesn’t have a track record of delivering or managing projects. Build your organisation organically. Be realistic.
- Consult. Consult. Consult. Ensure that you consult and involve beneficiaries, trustees, stakeholders. Take your consultation further. Speak to your local authority department and ask for their views on your proposal. If they support it, you can mention this. It will give you a major advantage over other proposals that are competing for the same funds.
- If your trustees don’t have skills to develop, oversee and manage projects and finances, it’s time to increase your committee with new trustees that have wide-ranging skills and experiences. This brings credibility and integrity to your organisation. Many funders ask about the skills and experience your trustees bring.
- Get your organisation on social media. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. Share your stories on social media. Many funders will check your online presence. Build your track record and credibility and share it with the world.
