How to Apply For Funding: A Quick Tour

Always start with your mission: This is what you want the money to achieve e.g. Free taster sessions for adults who wouldn’t normally engage in learning to engage new people Reminiscence groups for a local care home Materials or equipment for a creative community project or more

These may not all be obvious from the outset e.g. printing costs, travel, visits etc. Make a list of the things you need in order to achieve your mission:

Make a fundraising plan Your fundraising strategy will give you focus. Ask yourself: What are your aims and objectives Why are you doing this? What are your past achievements and what do you already offer Your future plans – put all your wish lists in chronological order Budgeting – what will this project cost Research – what funding is available nationally and locally.

Parish councils West Sussex members Big society Fund Local businesses – look for ones with CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Sign up for local funding letters Hold an event. A tea party or even a dinner can raise be can be fun and raise considerable funds Places to look for funding:

Who do you know who could help? Use social media and sites like Streetlife. Don’t be afraid to ask for something you need – someone will know someone Be focussed – know exactly what you want before you ask Aim high – you might be surprised Use your local knowledge to get the most from what is available in your local area. Don't reinvent the wheel

In summary: Use your strategy but be spontaneous and open to opportunities Write a timeline and try to be a term ahead Make sure your costs are correct If making a bid – go through the funding criteria very carefully Subscribe to newsletters with funding opportunities Use volunteer support organisations such as VAAC and 3VA, they have knowledge and experience to support you Subscribe to local authority funding newsletters – they often have guidance on how to write bids Use the WEA. We will do all we can to make your idea happen. It is after all, your WEA

Resources sources ing/find/news recreation-and-community/grants-and-funding/