Forum 2007 – Andrew Billington
Great Fundraising Application Errors and Successes, Andrew Billington, Director, Jack Petchey Foundation
Andrew Billington, Director of the Jack Petchey Foundation, gave some tips on how to make a success of applications for grants, as well as some things to avoid.
Common errors that are made when trying to raise money from Trusts:
- General appeal letters with no tailoring to the Trust.
- Spelling the name of the Trust incorrectly. For more chance of your application being read, try and find the name of the appropriate person, don’t be afraid to call and find out.
- Not reading the Trust’s guidelines – save time and ensure your application is taken more seriously.
- Too much material – keep to two sides of A4. The reader may have many applications to get through – they want to get to the core quickly.
- Shopping lists give the message that you are not sure what you want the money for; the Trust/donor wants to be sure that the organisation knows what they need the money for and where it will be going.
- Emotional appeal
- Speaking in ‘generalisations’ not ‘facts’.
- Do not change priorities or budget just to meet the Trust’s objectives, meet your organisation’s needs.
Key questions and issues to work through: What is your fundraising strategy – donors, appeals, process? Do you really need to fundraise or should money be raised through other resources? What do you need the money for? Who has agreed the priorities (fundraisers should not decide the priorities – trustees and CEO should do this)?
Tips for success: read the Trust’s guidelines, study the Trust’s literature and website, move on if the Trust’s objectives do not fit yours.
At the next stage: follow guidelines, keep the application simple and short, use the application form and complete carefully, and be sure to attach the required material.
Comments/phrases to avoid:
“Unique” – how do you know? Make sure you can prove it.
“We work in deprived areas of……..?” – this doesn’t say anything about the quality of your work or what you do.
“You will, I am sure, be familiar with…..” – do not assume, this is lazy.
“Any help, however small, will be appreciated….” – you would be disappointed if you were offered a small amount so be honest but realistic.
Your application is successful – what now?
- Nurture relationship
- Read acceptance letter carefully and do what it requests
- Keep funder informed – write and tell them news/progress
- Helper funder feel valued and important – if your organisation is successful, or receives an award, let the Trust/donor be aware of this achievement and share it
- Express appreciation
- Use grant acceptance to raise money from other sources – other donors/Trusts may look on your grant favourably as it shows another Trust saw your organisation as worthwhile
Andrew remarked that some Trusts would possibly give again if their original donation led to successes, if requests were followed and if the Trust/donor was keep informed and involved with the organisations work.
The Jack Petchey Foundation, established in 1999, gives grants to programmes and projects that benefit young people aged 11 – 25. The Foundation is eager to help young people take advantage of opportunities and play a full part in society. www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk
