There's no magical secret to writing a successful grant application but there are some things that you can do to improve your chances of getting funding.
1. Decide exactly what you want to do or what kind of grant you require
Be clear in your own mind what type of project you want to do, what kind of grant you require and why you want it.
2. Identify sources of funding
Increasingly, more and more government departments and community funding programs are putting their grant information on the internet. Check out our 'Grants and where to find them' page in this section for links to comprehensive lists of grants available in Victoria and Australia.
Newspapers and newsletters of various community organisations also publish grants from time to time. Pay attention to those publications in your sphere of interest for any suitable opportunities that may arise.
3. Address the funding guidelines
Just as you would target a resume and cover letter for each job you apply for, you also need to customise each grant application.
Get a copy of the grant guidelines and application forms in advance of the submission deadline and read them carefully. It'd be frustrating to get halfway through your application and then discover that your project doesn't really fit the guidelines or you that do not have the proper information required to complete the application.
Allow plenty of time to complete all the application requirements to meet the submission deadline.
Make sure your submission directly addresses program guidelines.
4. Do some research
Talk to other people or agencies that you know have received funding and find out how they did it. Definitely talk to the funding agency for advice on their requirements.
If you're trying to get a community project off the ground, survey the local community and your target audience for their feedback and include this in your submission.
Check out secondary sources of information. Your local council (new window) will probably have a wealth of information, statistics and data and maybe even someone to help you with your submission. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) (new window) also has a wealth of statistical data that may support your submission.
If you're required to submit any costings with your application, make sure you:
- Are accurate and realistic - the funding organisation will spot the inconsistencies and this will reflect badly on your submission
- Don't cut corners to be more competitive
- Find out appropriate rates of pay
- Don't forget overheads you might need such as WorkCover, insurances, office supplies, rent etc.
- Get multiple quotes for any equipment you will have to buy
- Relate any necessary equipment purchases to the aims of the project
- Note your own contribution to the project, both your financial input and time commitment
Include profiles or resumes of yourself and any other people involved in the project if required to do so. The 'Writing a resume' page has some great resume writing tips.
5. Present your submission well
When writing your submission and organising all the data you collect, make sure you:
- Are focussed on what you want to achieve
- Are clear and concise on your aims
- Use clear language and avoid jargon
- Present only relevant supporting material and make sure it's presented clearly (e.g. graphs, tables, graphics)
- Structure your submission so that it is easy to follow (include a table of contents, index, appendix, etc.)
- Get someone to proofread the submission to make sure there are no pesky typos in there
- Keep a full copy of your submission for your own records
6. Follow up your submission
Call the organisation to check your submission was received OK and in good order.
Try and drum up support for your project through other agencies, your Local Members and your community.
Keep a record of all discussions and contacts with the funding bodies and confirm any undertakings in writing, if required.
7. Take a deep breath!
You've done all the hard work. The decision is now with the funding body. Good luck!
Links for writing grant applications
Department of Planning and Community Development - Preparing your grant application
Provides advice for preparing your grant application.
WESTIR - How to Get That Grant
See the section on 'Funding' for great information to help you write your grant submission.
You'll also find information about finding sources of funding and grants on our 'Grants and where to find them' page in this section.
