Whether you’re approaching large or small funders, private trusts or companies – the same guidance will apply to getting funding.
Your great idea
What would you like to do? Who will benefit from your project and how? Understanding this is central to knowing which funders to approach. Get key members of your community group together for a ‘brainstorming session’ to find out what ideas they have or what problems they would like to solve.
What is really needed?
Consult the community in which you’re planning to work to gather feedback about your idea and what change is needed locally. Think about how different groups could get involved, young people might be keen to do some gardening and want to learn new skills and older people may have lived in the area for a while and have good connections with lots of skills to share with others.
Partnerships
It’s always a good idea to work with others if you can – some funders actually require you to work in partnership, to share skills and resources to help improve the area. Working with other local organisations can strengthen both organisations’ work. Your group will have the gardening skills, and a partner might have experience supporting the specific audience you want to reach. Working in partnership will save resources and open up more funding opportunities.
Outcomes and evaluation
Funders will often want you to report back honestly on the success of your project and any lessons you have learnt – you can use this information to create your next funding application. Many funders want you to share your successes with others to increase the impact of the project, so think about what you will communicate, how and to whom.
Build in some project evaluation from the start; think about how you will measure the changes your project will create. This doesn't need to be complicated. You could take photos before, during and after a green-space makeover to show the changes you've created. A simple tick-box questionnaire could show how people feel about their neighbourhood (maybe they feel it’s unsafe, un-cared for, has a lack of green spaces and no community spirit) before your project, and then show the changes that have taken place during and after.
Check you’re sure about the difference you’d like to make with your project and that the activities you’re planning will achieve your aims.
