How to write to funding bodies
It helps if you've read the glossary entries on funding bodies, grants and proposals before you read this section.
Each different organisation will have its own specific mission and associated aims that they wish to achieve. Funding bodies will always look to support projects that align with their mission. Often, they will give examples of things that they will not fund.
'What funders are looking for' is the main consideration when applying for funding: you must try and answer the question, 'what is this funder trying to achieve, and how does my project contribute to that goal?'
Where to start
One major grant scheme asks for the following information and it is a good model to follow:
- Project start and end dates
- Applicant details
- Aims
- Objectives
- Outcomes
- Impacts
- Context
- Project details
- Sharing learning and evaluation
- Project cost and justification
- Supplementary information
Look out for guidelines on how to write application forms or proposals. If guidelines exist it is important to read them and follow them carefully.
our particularly important words are highlighted in the list above: aims, objectives, outcomes and impacts. In terms of funding they all have refined meanings which are worth considering in more detail.
Aims are the broad things that you wish to achieve in your STEM Club's project. For example: 'The aim of this project is to inspire pupils about the fascinating world of chemical engineering'. Objectives are more specific statements outlining how you will achieve your aims, or what you want a particular aim to achieve. For example:
- We will develop innovative and exciting workshops on chemical engineering
- We will increase the number of pupils studying chemistry post-16
- We will develop CPD training for our science department so that all science teachers have a better understanding of chemical engineering
Often it is helpful to think of SMART objectives. SMART is a mnemonic for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable (for both you and your pupils)
- Relevant
- Time-bound
Outcomes are the things that you can measure at the end of the project. For example:
- The number of chemistry workshops that you created
- The number of pupils studying chemistry post-16
- The number of teachers reached through CPD
Impacts are the results of the outcomes. For example:
- A larger and more engaging chemistry teaching framework
- Raised awareness of chemical engineering
- Non-specialist staff that are more comfortable answering questions about chemistry
If your aims, objectives, outcomes and impacts are clear then your project planning will be easier. Once you have them clear in your head you should phone up the funding body and discuss your proposal with them. They should be able to give you an idea of whether it is something they would be interested in supporting.
Aims, objectives, outcomes and impacts are also important for evaluation.
What funding bodies are looking for
It is important to stay up-to-date with what you are applying for, as ideas continually move on. Fresh, innovative ideas for your STEM Club are more likely to grab funders' attention, rather than something that is just repeating a STEM Club project from a few years ago.
If you want to ask for larger amounts of money (£1,000s) then you should consider a collaborative project. For example, this could include:
- Other local schools (primary or secondary)
- Local artists
- Local scientists - if the funding body you are approaching supports research directly you could ask them for some of their scientists
You should also think about how long your project will last. Again, if you are asking for a larger amount of support the funding body will most likely be expecting a project that lasts for at least one term.
Be realistic about how much money you are asking for, and make sure that you are providing value for money. Ask for what you need, not necessarily what you want. If you're doing a project involving filming, do you really need the latest and greatest gadgets? Or can you buy a 'Flip HD' and use existing computers to edit the footage, possibly with some new software?
You should be aware of what different funders will and will not pay for. For example, some funders will not cover salaries, but they will pay for large pieces of equipment. Check up on this information before you start your application.
Information about what a funder will and will not support is usually available from the funder's website. Look for the guidance notes associated with the grant you are interested in.
Your four main considerations are:
- Align to your potential funder's mission
- Provide value for money in helping them deliver their charitable goals
- Be innovative
- Build on your proven expertise
Most large funding bodies will expect an evaluation report at the end of the project, outlining its impact. It will need to include some straightforward measurements, such as how many pupils have been involved in the project, but might also require an assessment of what learning pupils have achieved and what the legacy of the project will be. You will be expected to provide details of this when you submit your application.
How you will undertake evaluation needs to be carefully considered as you plan your project.
Checklist of considerations
- Am I doing something that a funder will be interested in?
- Does it align to the funder's mission?
- Is it innovative? Either completely new, or does it build on previous projects that were successful?
- Have I answered all the funder's questions; either those on the application form, or in the guidance notes?
- Have I given an outline of how I intend to evaluate the project/ show the project's impact once it is complete?
- Have I provided an outline budget?