Financial and in-kind support can help organisations transform their idea into reality. Getting the right support for your project can mean bringing in more financial resources, new expertise, contacts and in-kind support. The information below has some questions for you to consider and tips for gaining external support.

Generally we would not expect to be the only source of funding for your request, even though we may be the major contributor. We also anticipate that most organisations will make a contribution from their own resources, whether financial or in kind. We are able to work with you to offer ideas for other resources and relationships that you may be able to source to make your project more viable.

Before looking for external support, it’s important to think through and be clear about why you need support and what for. Starting from this point will help you to decide who to approach, how to engage them in a relevant way, and rouse enthusiasm for your proposal. It can help to think about questions such as:

• What is it that we are trying to do?
• Why do we think this idea will make a difference to our community?
• Are we sure that in all likelihood the project will work, and difference it will make, are worth the time, effort and money it will require?
• Would other ideas be effective?
• What makes us the best organisation to receive support for this?
• Are there other organisations we could work with on this?
• Do we have the skills and resources to do this properly?
• Is this project viable or sustainable?
• What might go wrong and prevent this project being completed or being effective?
• How can we reduce and manage risks?
• What are the most appropriate sources of funding?

Other helpful tips:

• Identify and prioritise your goals and what is needed first. Question whether it reflects your strategic and business plans
• Keep all the information needed for completing application forms, including official details and documents, media articles, planning documents, statistics, annual reports and other in-house publications, letters of support, auditor’s reports, insurance information and copies of previous applications 
• Remember that seeking, obtaining and then managing a grant can be a lot of work and comes with responsibility. Before you look for support for any idea or project, think through its feasibility and likely effectiveness to make sure it is worth it
• Call us and discuss whether your proposal is something that will be considered by the organisation you’re targeting for support