There are three types of fund on ActionFunder. The type decides how you find the fund and how you apply.
| Classic | Active Apply | Private | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where you find it | Your dashboard and the funds list | Your dashboard and the funds list | A private link from the funder or ActionFunder |
| How you apply | Automatically, when your project matches | On the fund page, with Apply now | Through the private link |
| Can you withdraw? | Yes, at any time | Yes, at any time | Yes, at any time |
Classic funds (auto-apply)
Most funds on ActionFunder are Classic. You don’t apply to them directly. When your published project matches the fund’s criteria (such as location, grant size, focus area, beneficiary type and organisation type), ActionFunder applies it for you. How matching works
What you do:
- Read the fund page to check the criteria. Reading a fund page: criteria and key deadlines
- Create a project that fits, or edit an existing one and re-publish it.
- Track the application from your project’s Manage page.
On your dashboard, live Classic funds carry the label Open.
Active Apply funds
Active Apply funds work more like a traditional grant application. Projects aren’t applied automatically. You decide whether your project fits, then apply on the fund page.
These funds are often more targeted, so read the criteria carefully. On your dashboard they carry the label Active apply. How to apply to an Active Apply fund
Private funds (invite only)
Private funds aren’t listed on your dashboard or in the funds list. You can only apply if the funder or ActionFunder has invited you. Projects aren’t applied to them automatically. Use the private link you were sent to apply with a new project or one you already have.
Tips for every fund type
- Check your project fits the fund’s criteria before you apply.
- If you edit a project, re-publish it so it’s matched again.
- Be clear and specific about who you work with, what you’ll do and what will change.
- Use plain language and skip the jargon.
Questions?
Our team is around Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
- Email: hello@actionfunder.org
- Phone: 020 3805 2835