Applying for funding on ActionFunder is as easy as 1, 2, 3! You create a project pitch that is then submitted to any relevant funds on the platform. This is based on the location, amount requested and focus area of your project.
Whether you decide to apply with a written or a video pitch, you need to make sure that your overall project brings enough information and passion to the funders.
Below you’ll find guidance to make sure your pitch is top of the list. Use this article as a checklist when creating a project.
The basis
When creating a project always ask yourself “so what”?
You will be running workshops for elderly in the community. So what? What benefit and/or changes will it bring to your users and the community? This should help answer the Ned and Impact questions.
And avoid using insider jargon throughout the project!
*insider Jargon: language that you use within your org that others may not understand. E.g acronyms without what it stands for.
Provide detailed information
Make use of the space and time you have to create your project. Most answers have a 700 or 1000 character limit, and your video should be 90-seconds. Projects with little details and information do not get funded!
The Pitch
Make your project as clear as possible
It is essential that the information you provide in your project is clear to a funder unfamiliar with your organisation’s work. After reading your project, they should have enough information to be able to make an informed decision.
Your pitch is your dedicated space to talk about:
- The need: what is the problem/need you are looking to address?Make sure to explain what the problem you’re aiming to solve is. Add in relevant key facts or numbers. Funders may not be as aware as you are of the issue you are facing.
Mention your beneficiaries. Who are they and what problems are they facing. - The solution: How your proposed solution will effectively address the problem’s root causes. Let the funder know what the outputs of your projects are and what activities will be delivered. Make sure to explain what solution you are providing to your beneficiaries and how you would reach out to them.
- What makes your organisation the best to deliver this project? Explain what resources your organisation has in place to reach the goal of this specific project. This could include how long you have worked in this field, the skills your staff or volunteers have, whether or not you have secured a location, how you are connected to local actors etc.
See Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants and XLP’s pitches for inspiration.
Give the full picture
If the money you are applying for is only covering a portion of your total project costs, make sure this is clear in your pitch. Give a brief overview of how you will cover the rest of your costs so funders know that you have the means to deliver your project. You can cover this in the ‘why are you best placed to deliver’ section of your pitch.
The Delivery Plan
Impact is key
Explain the lasting change your project will bring. How will the grant impact the local people, environment and wider community?
Use simple words funders can understand. Be specific about the long-term impacts. Don’t just say “We will empower women.” Explain how lives will be bettered.
For example, “We will provide job skills training for 25 women. This will increase their income and lead to more financial stability.”
Use facts and data if you have them. For instance, “Last year our program helped women increase wages by 30% on average.” Show the big picture of how your community will improve. Use clear details so funders grasp your vision of meaningful impact.
Head over to this article to find out more about impact.
Present a clear budget
A good budget breakdown:
➜ Shows the funders you’ve thoroughly planned your project
➜ Helps paint a picture of what you want to do
➜ Can sometimes result in extra help from funders (e.g. with sourcing items or venue space)
Head over to this article to see what to include in your budget breakdown.
Further information
Keep your profile up to date
Make sure to fill in your profile information. Funders can use it to find out more about your organisation. This also helps the funders gain confidence in your project and allows them to build trust with you as they can reach out directly.
Scoring criteria
Keep in mind the following scoring criterias. These are widely used by funders to judge projects.
- Focus of the project: is the project well aligned with what the funders want to fund
- Need
- Level of community impact
- Effective use of funding
- Long term impact: how can the project be sustained after the funding ends (for running costs) → give indication that you have plans in place to continue running in the long term
- Inclusivity – is it serving a marginalised or underserved community that traditionally is not well supported. Demonstrate how you reach these communities in your ‘
- Attainability: is your budget realistic in order to achieve your impact, and is your solution appropriate to meet the need you’ve outlined?
- Remember that behind the platform, a person is reading your pitch. You need to get them as excited as you are for the project!
To recap
- Is your project clear enough?
- Is your project clear enough?
- Are you making full use of the space?
- Does the funder have enough information to make an informed decision?
- Are you listing both the activities delivered with the funding and the impact these will have on the beneficiaries/ wider community?
- Is your profile up to date?
- Is your budget thought through?
If the answer to these questions is yes! Then you’re ready to hit publish!