Most major funders report that bids fail for simple, basic reasons. The project was ineligible, a question wasn’t answered, the budget didn’t add up, a document wasn’t provided, the bid arrived after the deadline. Most of these problems can be overcome if you plan ahead, and the checklist will help you to do this.

Having a good funding strategy saves a lot of time and effort, and makes it more likely that you’ll bring in the resources you need. This framework can be used as a separate Funding Strategy, or incorporated into your Business Plan.

The length of your Fundraising Strategy is dependent on how complex your financial needs are. For a small group, a good strategy can be written on one side of A4.

Although you have a great Social Enterprise idea, you won’t get funding for ideas alone. This link takes you to a concise and useful summary of what you need to do to build an investable product: Turning your vision into an investable proposition.

Losing vital funding that leaves the survival of your group in doubt is a difficult and stressful situation for you, your Board or Committee, your Staff and volunteers, and the people you support. This information sheet can’t cover everything but will give you somewhere to start.