All funders are different with regard to the application process. However, for those independent Trusts who don’t have a specific application form, it can be good to attach your latest accounts and annual review along with the proposal. It is always beneficial to include a cover letter which summarises your project and the need, and… [Read More]

Consultation with beneficiaries and other stakeholders is an important part of new programme development and funders are keen to have evidence that this has been carried out. Funders want to see that projects have been developed in consultation with local people and other stakeholders to ensure that the project reflects local need and priorities.  This… [Read More]

There are some people who believe that anybody can take on the role of a grants fundraiser and will employ someone who has come from an unrelated position in the commercial sector with no experience in this field at all. However, writing compelling applications for funding, especially from large strategic funders such as USAID requires… [Read More]

It is possible to recruit somebody and pay them on results, but this is highly unusual, and it is unlikely that a professional, experienced person would accept these terms. Writing grant applications takes time and effort starting with the research required to understand the project and source potential funders, checking their requirements and eligibility, looking… [Read More]

Think of an NGO or charity as a social business. In the same way that a business needs money to operate, so does an NGO. These days many NGOs require professional, skilled staff who provide skills and expertise in a variety of areas that relate to community development.  These roles may be back-office finance roles… [Read More]

Sustainability is a bit of a buzz word, but it is probably the most important thing to consider when developing a proposal for funding. You need to show the Funder how the project will continue after the grant has ended. Simply thinking that you will raise more money through fundraising is not enough. It is… [Read More]

Corporate fundraising is the term used for gaining funding through commercial partnerships. This could be through a grant, sponsorship, brand endorsement or employee fundraising.  Companies that have a corporate social responsibility programme may have their own projects that they like to support, or sometimes they choose projects which are suggested by members of staff through… [Read More]

Restricted funds are funds that have been acquired through donors for a specific project or activity. Unrestricted funds are those funds that have been raised to support the work of a charity or NGO but without a designated use. The two should be kept separately in accounts for transparency and to be able to show… [Read More]

Governance or Corporate Governance as it is commonly called in the business world refers to a set of principles, policies and processes by which an institution is run. It defines the values with which an institution conducts itself while it goes about achieving its goals and objectives. Governance not only plays an important role in… [Read More]

All NGOs need to fundraise. But for new, small, and grassroots NGOs who do not yet have fundraising systems in place fundraising can be particularly challenging. Here are our steps to get on the path to fundraising success.   Step 1 Know your Organization’s need Before you even begin to research donors and apply for… [Read More]