How to Get That Grant

What is the secret to getting a grant?

There is no secret and no guarantee of success for any application. There are some things however that you can do to improve your chances of securing funding.

  1. Decide What You Want to Do

    This is the most important place to start. Before anything else, make sure you are clear in your own mind about what type of service, program or project you want to undertake.

  2. Decide if You Are Able to Do It

    Make sure you are able to manage the project that you are seeking grant money for. These are some of the points you will need to consider:

    • Many grants require progress reports to be written.
    • There are deadlines for spending the money and completing the work.
    • You may need to have a work schedule.
    • You will need to draw up a budget.
    • You may need to be able to monitor or evaluate your project.
    • It will probably take more than one person to complete your project. It is better to have a team of people who have committed to work together on the project.
    • Seek support from others first before you embark on your application.
    • Talk to other agencies (e.g. peak bodies, other services, local community service staff).
    • Make sure you have enough time to manage your project.
    • The grant process sometimes takes quite a few months so allow time for the grant to be considered and processed
  3. Identify Sources of Funding

    There are a number of grants listed on this website, along with a broad range of organisations offering grant opportunities. Newspapers are another useful resource. The Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian on Saturday often advertise funding programs, as do local and regional newspapers on occasion.

  4. Target Your Submission

    Some applications have strict word lengths so you need to be concise with your details. Some applications need to be submitted electronically, while others may require hard copies to be posted as well.

    What type of submission is it? Different types of submissions require different information, styles, support and means of presentation. Know the rules:

    • Get a copy of the guidelines and application form and read them thoroughly before starting to fill them out. It’s no use getting half-way through a submission and discovering that your project does not really fit the criteria, or that you do not have the proper information required to complete the application.
    • Make sure you are in the right region or location for that grant - some grants only apply to the Sydney metropolitan area, others only for particular states or part of the state.
    • Find out if new or expanded services are being funded.
    • Find out what the current program target group is.
    • Talk to the funding agency for advice on their requirements – this is ESSENTIAL!!!
    • Make sure the submission directly addresses the program guidelines – this is also ESSENTIAL.
    • Check what the closing date is and allow time to send the submission off.
    • Find out when successful applicants will be notified.
  5. Research Your Submission

    Establish community needs and gain their support

    • Surveys and focus groups of clients and the local community can often be useful in identifying community needs and the benefit the funding will have to the community.
    • Secondary sources of information could come from local councils who often produce community profiles. Other agencies (eg peak bodies) and planning sections of government (local and regional councils) may also have assessed needs or priorities that can serve as a framework for service provision or development.
    • Get letters of support from other organisations to include in your submission.
    • Canvas local political support (your local MP, council etc).
    • Include statements or indications of support in your submission.
    • Use the media. Include any media opportunities that you may have had that promotes your organisation in a positive light.

    Where to get data and information

    • Your own agency often has more information than you might think. Take time to sift through your own available data.
    • Other local organisations (eg. councils, libraries, regional community development agencies).
    • Other agencies in the sector (eg peak organisations, other organisations providing similar services).
    • Data and Research Organisations (eg. Australian Bureau of Statistics, Government departments, Universities, agencies like WESTIR).

    Accurate costings

    • Be realistic.
    • Don’t cut corners to be more competitive.
    • Find out appropriate rates (e.g. rates of pay).
    • Don’t forget overheads – Workers Compensation, insurances, office costs, rent.
    • Get multiple quotes for capital equipment.
    • Relate equipment to the aims of the project.
    • Note your contribution to the project.
    • Volunteers, administrative support, office services, supervision/management, contributions in-kind.
    • Be aware of the costs of preparing your submission or tender.
  6. Presentation
    • Be focussed on what you want to achieve.
    • Be clear and concise on your aims.
    • Steer clear of jargon.
    • Present relevant supporting material clearly (eg. graphs, tables, graphics, layout).
    • Structure your submission so that it is easy to follow (include table of contents, index, list of attachments, etc as appropriate).
    • Get someone to proof-read the submission.
    • Be sure to keep a full copy of the submission.
  7. Follow Up Your Submission
    • Check to make sure that your submission has been received by the right people.
    • If funding bodies want to negotiate or discuss your submission, make sure there are ground rules for these discussions or negotiations.
    • Establish your bottom line beforehand – how far are you willing to compromise?
    • Find out who you are talking to about your submission.
    • Keep a record of discussions and contacts with funding bodies and confirm any undertakings in writing, if required.
    • Make sure your systems and records are first rate (this can be essential to a continuation of funding).
  8. Cross Your Fingers!

    You’ve done all that you can to help your submission succeed. The decision is now out of your hands.