Seek Funding for Community Projects

The information on this web page forms part of the 1999 'County Durham Sustainable Communities Initiative'. The campaign is currently being reviewed and developed as a region wide project.

Principles of Writing Funding Applications

There are some basic rules which apply to nearly all funding applications - whatever the proposed project:

Use simple language (avoid jargon and acronyms).
Type or word-process the application form or letter (this makes it easier for the potential funder to read, and also better for photocopying).
Follow all the instructions exactly and answer all the questions on the application form.
Keep the application short, simple and neat.
Double check the spelling.

Many charitable trusts do not have application forms, so you will have to rely on writing a letter. This should be as concise as possible, and be addressed to a specific person (find out who before you write the letter). The letter could be accompanied by a separate document setting out your project proposal in more detail. This could include the following elements:

Summary: State briefly who you are, the issue you want to tackle, how you will tackle this issue (i.e. your project), the total estimated cost, and how much money has already been raised. The summary may be all that the potential funder reads.

Introduction: The background to your group (including your track record). It is important that potential funders have confidence that any donation they make will be spent effectively.

Problem statement: It is very important to say what the problem is that your project aims to address. Different grant-giving charitable trusts have different aims (for example, many are set up for the 'relief of poverty'). Examples of problems include crime, poverty, drug abuse, social exclusion, poor health etc. It is a good idea to provide some evidence of the problem (such as survey results, official figures etc).

Programme and methods: This is where you can describe what your project is (and how it relates to the problem you've just described). The key information to include is:

Who will do the project?
What will be done and when?
Who is the project for and how will you know when it has achieved its aims?

Budget: The budget should show all the estimated costs for the proposed project. These need to be as accurate as possible, based on written estimates or quotations. It should also include a section on any funds already raised.

Evaluation: Show how you plan to evaluate your project to see if has met the original aims.

Future Funding: State how the project will be funded beyond the initial period.

Contacts and Sources of Further Information

Publications

Some useful publications include:
A Guide to the Major Trusts (Volume 1) 1999, Directory of Social Change, ISBN 1-900 360-38-1 (Ł19.95)

Environmental Funding Guide 3rd Edition 1998, Directory of Social Change, ISBN 1-900 360-21-7 (Ł16.95)

Reference copies of both books are available at Durham Rural Community Council offices and the Environment Section at Durham County Council.

Organisations

Durham Rural Community Council

Durham Rural Community Council offer a range of support services to community groups in County Durham (including specialist funding advice). They produce a regular funding update newsletter and have copies of computer database of grant-giving trusts ('Funder-finder').
Durham Rural Community Council
Park House
Station Road
Lanchester
County Durham
DH7 OEX
Tel: 01207 529621

Groundwork Trusts

The two Groundwork Trusts in County Durham can give advice and information to community groups interested in sustainability projects. In certain 'target areas' they may also be able to provide more in-depth project support. For more information contact:
Groundwork West Durham
29 Market Place
Bishop Auckland
County Durham
DL14 7NP
Tel: 01388 662666
Groundwork West Durham cover Chester-le-Street District, Derwentside District, Teesdale District and Wear Valley District

Groundwork East Durham
Seaton Holme
Hall Walks
Easington Village
Peterlee
County Durham
SR8 3BS
Tel: 0191 5273333
Groundwork East Durham cover District of Easington, Sedgefield Borough, and City of Durham

Durham County Council - Environment Section

The Local Agenda 21 Team at the Environment Section (Durham County Council) can give some advice about funding for projects:
Environment Section
Durham County Council
County Hall
Durham
DH1 5UQ
Tel: 0191 3833361
Email: Local Agenda 21