KEYS TO SUCCESS:

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND FUNDING

Steven Lugg

1. Identify What You NeedHave the community expressed concerns or

complaints?Have you identified a group ‘missing out’ on

provision?Is this a job for an existing group, or best

suited to a new one?Everyone unified and clear on direction?Location?Is it really needed, and can you explain it?

2. Build your evidence baseGovt and LA Statistics and StrategiesConsult your community, use appropriate

means, you have to go to them, use appropriate methods

ALL FUNDING BODIES WILL EXPECT THISEvidence base should be central to your bidHelp available for consultation – consider?Some issues – Health and well-being, anti-

social behaviour, intergenerational, community cohesion, regeneration

3. Prepare Your Solution BidBe clear about your target group(s)Focus on the outcomes you want to achieve,

rather than be fixed about the outputs – there are always different paths to the same destination

Partnership and collaboration are always better than solo bids

Don’t be precious about who leads the projectThink long-term. Have you planned

sustainability?

4. Consider Feedback

Make sure what you think is the solution, is wanted!

Be clear on how to express your outcomes, be flexible on outputs

Gain public support before biddingMake sure stakeholders are clear about your

Vision

5. Finding Your Funding!

Each funder has their own aims, criteria and funding conditions

Always call them for full informationLook at the full range – don’t restrict yourselfBe selective in your bids – use your time

wiselySources include Trusts, Lottery, LA,

Individuals, Landfill Fund etc

6. Apply!Avoid assumptionsUse your evidenceTell a storyLink to Outcomes and OutputsUse local statisticsSuccess sellsBe innovative and creative

- And don’t expect success immediately

7. Publicise SuccessTry and involve the communityRemember to involve all those you have

worked withUse the Internet, Facebook, Twitter, Blog etcLocal MediaLocal ‘faces’, MP etcUse contacts at local schools if appropriateTake lots of photos

8. EvaluationShould be appropriateCapture feelings, thoughts, perception of

changesAs well as numbersPlan it into the projectFeedback to allBuild relationshipsPossibility of repeat funding

Overview of What Success Looks Like!

Steven Lugg

What are Grants?Source of fundingNo interest, non returnable (compliance)Myriad of sourcesResearchUnderstand your NeedUsually apply through application form

Funders Looking For....Four criteria normally:

LocationType of organisationSizeProject purposeMatch funding? Consider funder’s objectives

Application – demonstrate your competence!Reputable and efficiently runClear and specific vision, how, benefits &

differences the project will make, target group

Strong management groupFinances in order, governanceBusiness plan?Good understanding of project and purposeAppropriate policies

Successful applicationsDemonstrate the needShow good planningWell costedEvidence of sound managementIllustrate the difference that will be made

Why were you unsuccessful?Not explicit, concise or clearPoorly planned, not clear how money will be

spentFunder’s guidelines not respected, fail to

meet criteriaNot well managed, monitoring and evaluation

Top Tips 1Get informed, find out what local support is

availableDon’t start your project until you’ve

successfully applied!Need – funder’s objectives match your

proposals?Talk to body before applying

Top Tips 2Project/business planImagination and lateral thinking requiredMatch fundingDemonstrate that your project cannot

proceed without supportGet it checked over – be criticalWould you give your money to this request?

Funder’s ObjectivesMatch funding?

See it from the funder’s perspective

Get it checked by somebody else before you send it off