Funding - Writing effective applications

A well thought out and focused application will always stand out. Use the tips below to improve your funding applications. There is general advice then advice on application forms, open letter applications and using AI. 

You can also get in touch with our Support and Development team for funding advice or free training at Connect@connectedvoice.org.uk or 0191 235 7021 

Be prepared

  • Ensure you have everything in place to be funding ready before making applications. Use our resource “Are you ready for grant funding?” as a guide. 
  • Research the funder – what are their current priorities? What have they funded previously? How much do they usually give? Use the funder’s website
  • If possible, attend information sessions including webinars or “Meet the Funders” to learn more about the funder, the process and to ask questions

General tips

  • Do not rush funding applications. Funding is competitive, and if you fit the funder’s priorities you should take your time to make sure your communicate this effectively
  • Resist the urge to make applications on mass. When funding is low, it is easy to panic and make lots of applications. Instead, focus on the funders that are best fits and create a funding strategy
  • If available, call the funder before making an application. This means you can ask if you’re a good fit and could influence what you apply for. This also means that if you are not a good fit, you can save time and focus on the next application
  • Keep track of all applications. Make sure you are aware of deadlines, what applications you have already submitted, and funds you want to apply to soon
  • Make sure you provide all required documents and policies. Make sure these are up to date and reviewed. Funders may not be willing to give you a second chance to submit these documents after the application is made. For support with this, contact our Support and Development team. 
  • Ensure you respond quickly to any contact from the funder. Make sure your named contact is in a role where they have all the information on the project, and that they are likely to be available. For example, they should work regular hours, not have long-term leave coming up, and should be involved in the whole application process
  • Applications must be clear, concise and accurate. Use accessible fonts, clear language and evidence any claims made in the application about your or the community you serve
  • Use a fresh pair of eyes to review your applications. An independent body that doesn’t know everything about your work is the best option. Our Support and Development team are always available to do this for you

Application forms

  • Carefully read the guidelines, FAQs and other supporting material on the website before applying
  • Proof read all required documents and policies before attaching them to the application
  • Read all application questions before starting. You may be able to plan the strongest examples or evidence for each answer, and you can avoid repeating yourself. 
  • Stick to the point. Be clear what the question is asking, and don’t talk about something that isn’t relevant. It may help to break the question into smaller bullet points to ensure you stick to what they are asking. 

Open application letters

Some funders don’t have an application form, and instead invite you to send an open letter. Here are some tips

  • Check the website for guidance. Some funders have a preferred format, or tell you exactly what they want it to include
  • Focus on the funder’s priorities. Ask yourself “what does this funder want their funding to achieve?” and “how can we demonstrate that we fit the funder’s goals?”
  • Keep the letter concise. There may not be a word limit, but funders will not have time to read page after page about your organisation. How can you get the important detail across in as few words as possible? Once written, can you think of anything that isn’t powerful or useful that you can remove? 

Using AI

AI is a new technology which organisations are embracing at different speeds. This is true for grant makers too. Before thinking about using AI in an application, check the funder’s approach to AI. They may not allow it, or they may have restrictions on where and when you can use it. This is essential to follow as they can detect AI use. 

If you can use AI, you must recognise its strengths and weaknesses. AI can not sound like an authentic human and you will not be able to demonstrate your passion and impact effectively by only using AI. Funders prefer a flawed application with an authentic, human voice than a polished application that sounds like a robot. 

If the funder lets you use AI, consider the following tips in your application:

  • Ensure the human is always in control. AI is not creative, so you should lead on the ideas included as you know the best story to tell about your organisation
  • Check any data or claims that AI makes. AI can make mistakes called “hallucinations” where it effectively makes things up. Check the sources and compare them to your own expertise, experience and research. 
  • Do not use AI to review the final draft of the application. The funder will almost always have a human reviewing the application. Ask a human to review the application instead of relying on AI. Human’s can feel emotion and connect to stories which can help with how powerful your application comes across. AI can not detect this. 
  • Check for common errors made by AI writing. AI will use American spellings and has biases to certain writing styles. For example “powers of three” are a writing tool that AI uses a lot. People reviewing applications will be able to detect this and it may negatively impact their first impression.
  • Make sure your application stands out. The existence of AI makes it easier for people with less skills and expertise to write applications. This means funders will be receiving a lot more applications than normal. If you use AI, yours may sound just like these other ones. Use your human voice and your passion for the cause to make sure your application stands out.