Doing an External Audit Work out the project in some detail – what is the desired outcome? Consider the main “themes” of the project e.g. Youth, increasing access, community facilities etc. Make a clear draft budget considering all of the direct costs of the project, whether you’re building in staff/volunteer training, any capital costs etc. Make a list of research sources…

Research Sources 1. Search on Google for similar projects (or ask the Diocese for details of anyone who has done anything similar – for building projects, ask Wendy) See if the projects have written up reports (or download the annual report from the Charity Commission website) Make a list of everyone who funded them. That’s list ONE

Research Sources 2 Find someone with either a subscription to “trustfunding” or copies of the ‘Directory of Grant Making Trusts’ – search using key words from your “themes” or geographical location. At this stage you are just looking for a list of trusts in the right area. This is list TWO

The donkey work Go through List One Research each one on the Charity Commission website – create a folder on your computer called “Trusts” then for each trust create a separate folder. Put the last three years of annual reports in that folder Go onto their website (if they have one) and download any advice, application forms etc. Do this for everything on List One

More donkey work Do it again but this time for list TWO

The interesting bit Now create a folder for the Project and then another folder called “Possible Grant applications for Project X” Go through each trust, analyse the annual report (particularly the ‘grants made’ section and make notes on them. If it looks like a good fit for your project, move it into the “Possible Grant” file At the end you should have a folder of trusts you can approach for funding.

Making applications If the trust invites you to discuss the project with them – do it. If they run an advice session – take it. If they say no unsolicited applications – don’t apply! Work out how much you are asking from each trust (based on levels of previous grants awarded). A good hit rate for most major charities is 1/10.

5 Top Tips for researching funders 1. Annual reports tell you nearly everything you need to know 2. You must check whether they will fund churches or whether there is an obvious bias. A number of trusts won’t say it explicitly but if very churches/Christian groups have been funded – don’t bother. Check geographical restrictions – if they only fund projects in Berkshire, don’t apply if the project is in Surrey The research period should take twice as long as the application process. Check the deadlines, then check them again and then tattoo them onto someone you see regularly.

5 tips for writing applications Begin creating a bank of answers to standard questions – e.g. bank account details, copies of your annual report etc. Describe the project as clearly as possible. You “will” be doing something, not “you’d like” Focus on the outcomes from the project – be explicit as to what they are. How will you evaluate the project. Create a process for your church/community and use it for all projects.