Sported Bid writing learning unit

Sported guides

Upskill in key areas to help support and grow your group

Bid writing

Governance

Planning

Impact practice

Financial management

Bid writing

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This unit:

course content and navigation

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Download the notes document

Bid writing

Sported guides overview

Getting started

Moving onwards

The application

Your funding journey

Finding funds

All about fundraising

Future proofing

Monitoring and evaluation

Getting started

The application

Moving onwards

Summary

Reflect and review

Key points

Summary

Decoding the questions

Your pitch

Outcomes and targets

Evidence

Budget

About this course

Applying for funding for your group can be daunting. This e learning unit will take you through the steps to take to make a successful bid.

The unit has three chapters - Getting started, The application and Moving onwards. The review section wraps up the unit. Read and watch the topics you need to learn, and work through the unit in the level of detail that you need.

Dip in and out - take what is useful for you

Download the document linked on this page to make a record for yourself on your learning from this unit.

Create your own notes document

An expanding box will show a quick tip when you hoverclick to reveal more contentthis takes you to another page in this unit or on the Sported Hub

Navigation

Click to continue

Getting started

Grants

More ideas...

Your progress

All about fundraising

Sported guides overview

Types of funding

Your funding journey

Bid Writing overview

Finding funding

Contents

Restricted funding

Events

Unrestricted funding

easyfundraising

Crowdfunding

Donations

Sponsorship

Subscriptions

There are lots of avenues for fundraising, some may be familiar, others new to you. Take a look at these sources of funding to find out more.

Sported guides overview

Getting started

All about fundraising

Your funding journey

Finding funding

Where are you now? take this self evaluation quiz

Your progress

Project

Capital

Running costs

What documents will you need?

What is the need you are meeting?

What do you want to fund?

Bid Writing overview

Contents

Sported guides overview

Your progress

Sported Hub fundraising pages

Getting started

All about fundraising

Where to look for funding?

Your funding journey

Finding funding

Check out the big funders

Search online

Sported funding bulletin

Recommendations from other groups

Bid Writing overview

Contents

Sported Hub fundraising pages

Your progress

Sported guides overview

Outcomes and targets

Some typical questions

Application questions - read this first!

The application

Decoding the questions

Budget

Evidence

Tips and general advice

Your pitch

Glossary of terms

Bid Writing overview

Contents

Contents

Some good answers

Sported guides overview

Outcomes and targets

Your progress

Bid Writing overview

How to make a video to show your idea

Phone conversation with a funder

What is a pitch?

The application

Contents

Decoding the questions

Budget

How to engage on a human level with funders

Evidence

Your pitch

Sported guides overview

Your progress

Outcomes and targets

The application

Decoding the questions

Budget

What does it mean?

Evidence

Your pitch

Contents

Bid Writing overview

What is the need? Your vision and mission

Define your goal

What are the desired outcomes?

Write SMART objectives

Output

Outcome

Activity

Target

Indicator

Milestone

Milestone: this is a step along the way to your target. Think of milestones as way markers on your journey, useful for showing that you're on track.

Indicator: this is a way of measuring the various outputs, outcomes and other targets for your project. An example could be: 134 people from our target group attended 80% of the delivered sessions by the end of June 2024. Always include a timescale for the indicator.

Outputs: the what we're doing data - projects, deliverables. This is something that is in the direct control of the project. An example could be: deliver 12 dance sessions to our target group.

Target: another term for objective. A target is a stated level to achieve for your project. These should be defined and measurable.

Activity: This is the actual sport that you are going to deliver to make the changes to achieve your goals. For example your activity might be to deliver netball training. How often, for how many people and other specifics will be added on to create outputs.

Outcome: The outcomes are the change data. What have you achieved, how have you changed your community. These should link back to the needs you identified at the start of the project.

Your progress

Outcomes and targets

Sported guides overview

Where do you find it?

How do you use it?

Why do you need it?

Budget

The application

Decoding the questions

Evidence

Statistics

Your pitch

What is evidence for bid writing?

What are funders looking for?

Bid Writing overview

Contents

Mapping

Primary research

Existing research

Sported guides overview

Your progress

Outcomes and targets

What to include

Volunteers and staff

Admin and practicalities

Budget

Planning for the end of the project

The application

Decoding the questions

Evidence

Your pitch

Contents

What do you need to do to create a budget?

Bid Writing overview

Sported guides overview

Moving onwards

Your progress

Monitoring and evaluation

Sported volunteer consultant Iain Lindsey and Sported member Patrick William-Powlett introduce impact practice

Bid Writing overview

Future proofing

What do you need to show?

Contents

Sported guides overview

Moving onwards

Monitoring and evaluation

Future proofing

Close

What is future proofing?

Your progress

Evolve

Run

Setup

Lifecycle of a project

Apply for more funding

End project

Use reserves

Diversfy income

Bid Writing overview

Contents

Setting up Identify a need Make a plan This stage is characterised by high energy, but limited funds Define structures Focus on fundraising

Running your group Develop good governance Formalise processes Grow and develop Growth and funding keep pace

Develop and evolve Mature organisation Established with a growing reputation A happy place - things work and everyone knows what to do Can lead to siloed thinking, rigid policies Complacency, stalled innovation can lead to decline

Close - think about the end and build in safeguards Can be after an organisation fails to evolve and begins a decline Could be a natural winding up after a need has changed A good ending should be considered from the start

Apply for more funding to continue your project Think about where the new funding will come from in good time before the end of your project. Can you apply to the same funder for continuation funds? Has your project evolved and changed so you could look at different funders?

Diversify income Could you look at fundraising from other areas? Are you in a position to run an income generating side to your group? Do you have premises you can let out? Think about alternative sources of income. See more from this resource.

Use reserves If your group has some reserves can you use those to continue your project? Consider what you will do once these reserves run out.

End the project If the need for your service has evolved sufficiently that it is no longer needed as it is, perhaps closing the project is the right thing to do next. Have a plan and discuss this with stakeholders.

Sported guides overview

Summary

Review and reflect

Where are you now?

Your progress

Bid Writing overview

Key points

How to answer application questions

Showing why your project should be funded

Planning for the future

What to expect from an application

What you need to provide to a funder

Contents

Use your notes document to reflect on what you have learned from this unit. Save these notes and add to them to build your own bid writing guidebook. If you'd like any further help and advice, do get in touch with your Regional manager, or email membership@sported.org.uk

What to expect Review the Getting started chapter, and remember, funders WANT to distribute their funding, it's up to you to make sure it's heading towards your project.

Documents and information Read the funder's FAQ and document checklist. Make sure you do include everything they ask for.

Application questions These questions will be similar from one funder to another. BUT - make sure you tailor your answer to that particular funding application. Sure have some saved content, but review and adapt it to fit the question being asked. Go back to the section on The Application if you need to review.

Evidencing the need It's up to you to convince that funder that your project is the one to fund. Use statistics and other evidence to show the need in your community, and carefully show how your project will meet that need. Ensure you can measure the outcomes to show how you have met the need at the end of the project.

Plan for a good ending Most funders will ask what your legacy will be, and require a post project report. Part of the initial planning is how you'll wind up your project and show it's success and future plan.

Sported guides overview

Summary

Key points

Your progress

Key point 2

Key point 1

Key point 3

Bid Writing overview

Review and reflect

Contents

Where to find evidence

Evidencing your need can draw from a range of sources. You can use data such as national and local statistics and mapping tools. As well these data driven sources, you can also use more personalised evidence such as pen portraits, case studies, photos, videos and personal testimonies.Some evidence is measurable, but some is more intangible. Use a balance of types - think about what success looks like, and try to find ways of evidencing that success.Go back to the main page and take a look at the four main types of evidence you can use to support your bid.

Some good answers

Describe your project

How will you make your project sustainable?

Why is your project needed?

How will you deliver your project?

Describe the impact of your project

Our project is a walking group designed specifically for mentally disabled adults in the Cardiff area. Once a month, we organize guided walks in the nearby hills, offering participants an opportunity to engage in physical activity, enjoy nature, and experience the benefits of the outdoors in a safe and supportive environment.Each walk is structured to accommodate small groups of mentally disabled adults, who are accompanied by their carers and supported by our team of trained volunteers. These volunteers have experience in hill walking and/or caring for disabled adults.The walking group offers participants the chance to improve their physical health, enhance their mental well-being, and foster social connections with others in the group. For many mentally disabled adults, access to outdoor activities can be limited, so our project fills a vital gap by providing a fun, inclusive, and accessible way to enjoy the natural environment.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of our project, we will implement several strategies to generate future income and reduce reliance on external funding:Community Fundraising Events: We plan to organize regular fundraising events within the community, such as sponsored walks, charity auctions, and social events, which will engage local supporters and raise awareness about the project. These events will help generate funds while fostering a sense of community ownership.Crowdfunding: We will explore online crowdfunding platforms to reach a wider audience and attract individual donors. By sharing participant stories and demonstrating the impact of our walking group, we can appeal to people who want to support mental health and disability initiatives.Session Fees: Once the project is established, we will introduce a small charge for each walking session. This fee will be designed to be affordable for participants while contributing to the ongoing costs of the project. We aim to make this model sustainable without putting financial strain on participants or their families.Branded Goods: To diversify our income streams, we are investigating the possibility of selling branded goods, such as t-shirts, water bottles, and walking gear. These items would not only help raise funds but also promote the project and increase community visibility.Through these approaches, we aim to develop a self-sustaining model that allows us to continue delivering our valuable services while reducing reliance on external grants.

Our project is essential to address the pressing issue of young people at risk of offending due to a lack of productive activities and positive role models in their lives. Currently, many young individuals in our community are vulnerable to crime, anti-social behavior, and gang involvement, particularly during after-school hours and weekends when they have little to no structured activities to engage in. This lack of constructive outlets often leads to boredom and risky behaviors that can have long-term negative consequences for both the individuals and the wider community.Our boxing sessions provide a critical intervention at this stage, offering a positive, engaging, and physically challenging alternative to crime and violence. By channeling their energy into sport, young people not only develop discipline, focus, and resilience, but they also build a sense of community and belonging. These factors are crucial in preventing offending behavior.

40 of the young people demonstrated significant progress in how they rated their own sense of pride in themselves. A further 12 moved 1 to 2 points up the scale. All of these children invited at least 1 person to see them perform at the end of the project. 12 young people rated themselves lower than when they started, but they started late, and their journey has only just begun. This dip dousn't tend to last too long and tends to increase as they get to know staff and feel more confident. The club has a strict behaviour policy that users sign up to when they join. If 'talking it out' doesn't work, staff occasionally exclude young people from activites. We record all incidents, and talk to the young people about their behaviour. One young person made significant progress after being excluded, but modifying their behaviour sufficiently to be allowed to join in all sessions for an entire 10 week period.

We provide street dance and urban music sessions for local young people of all abilities. Young people are encouraged to create their own work with tutor support, culminating in a final performance to which they are allowed to invite family and friends. Some young people have also earned and Arts Award. We have also taken groups of young people to see three professional performances, one of which allowed them a Q&A session with the performers afterwards.The club runs over a 40 week period. Each session lasts for two hours and takes place every Tuesday and Thursday from 5pm - 7pm. The trips to performances took place on Tuesday or Thursday evenings up to 11pm.

Making your pitch

Think about your project and what you are trying to achieve. Start with the need that is out there in your community. How will your project adress this need?Fundraising starts with defining your objectives and the community need, and only then finding a fund that matches your project.Try to find a funder whose vision and mission align with your group's, the funder is more likely to see your project as meeting their objectives if you're tackling the same type of needs.

Needs and objectives

Outcomes

The outcomes of your project should link back to the need you first identified. The project is all about how you will meet that need, so the outcomes should reflect this.

Why idenify key outcomes?

Clearly show the intended result of the work

Provide a framework for monitoring progress

Show how the project links with the funders impact goals

Volunteers and staff

You will need to budget for your people. Whether this is volunteer expenses or paid staff.

Paid staff

When you budget for staff include recruitment and onboarding costs as well as wages. Consider inflation especially if the project is going for multiple years.You may need to include a budget, around 10% for managment costs.Be realistic, not optimistic.

Volunteers

Budget for volunteer expenses, and possibly gifts. You must not compensate volunteers for their time, only for out of pocket expenses. Time compensation is a wage, so must be paid at minimum wage and be admistered as paid staff.

National and regional statistics

Click on the nation you're interested to open a mapping tool or database.

Governments and regional assemblies publish a range of data which can be useful for evidencing your bid.For England, the tool from Sport England has a range of information.Take a look at these links for national statistics on levels of deprivation.

Objectives

Your objectives are how you will deliver your project and meet the need.There may be many activities, but objectives should be limited to about three.These objectives are the framework of how your project will run, use the SMART model to build your objectives:

Achievable

Time bound

Relevant

Measureable

Specific

Specific: Identify the outcomes that will be achieved. For example, number and type of youth, what their outcomes will be.

Measurable: Use quantifiable terms to describe how progress will be measured. Think about what you can measure, what is useful to measure and how you'll measure it.

Achievable: Those numbers and quantities you've identified need to be realistic and achievable within the scope of the project. Think about your target groups, other projects in the area and likely uptake, as well as your budget and resources.

Relevant: Goals should relate to your need and your outcomes. There is no point in including a goal that is easy to measure if it does not relate to your project.

Timebound: Have a timetable with dates for objectives to be achieved.

What to inlude in your budget

This webinar is an in depth look at budgeting. The Sported Hub has lots more including templates and how to guides.

Make sure your budget is comprehensive and realistic.You'll need to include all the predicted expenditure.

Think about...

• Facilities and hire of premesis
• Equipment
• Transport
• Advertising
• Catering
• Training
• Volunteer expenses

Could you conduct some interviews, surveys or a focus group? Evidence directly from your community on how the project could improve lives can be powerful. If you have done a pilot of your project, or something similar in the past, can you provide evidence of success? You could also include letters of support and testimonials in support of your group.

Your own research

Do take some time to think about how to conduct your research ethically. Take a look at this article from Charity Digital on ensuring user research remains ethical.

Ethics

article

Getting started

The application

Moving onwards

Summary

Creating an engaging video pitch

Project funding

Funding for a project is the most obvious use of grant funding, and has the largest range of funds to look at.When you look for a funder read their criteria carefully - you're looking for a funder that fits your project not to change your project to fit the fund.Try to keep any unrestricted funding you have for example from legacies or fundraising events for core costs as these are much more difficult to find funding for.Read on for lots more on how to get your project funded. Good luck!

Sported are partnering with easyfundraising, the UK’s biggest and best online shopping platform for good causes to help you secure a long-term, sustainable, free source of funding for your organisation.

easyfundraising

Find out more on the Sported hub

1. Register your organisation - it takes only a few minutes. You can set up your organisation here
2. Start shopping online with over 5,200 retailers
3. Encourage members, volunteers, and supporters to support your organisation when they shop, online

Getting started

The application

Moving onwards

Summary

Getting started

The application

Moving onwards

Summary

What you need to show

The funder may give you specifict outcomes to measure and monitor, or you may have more leeway in how to show your project is working.

Measure and monitor things that link to your outcomes, if your project aims to improve school attendance can you obtain data from schools for this?

Do some baseline measurements, and collect statistics before and after your project, this will provide evidence of how your project has impacted on the local community.

• keep a register
• feedback from participants
• feedback from other community links e.g. police, schools, community groups
• use video evidence and case studies

Some ideas:

Getting started

The application

Moving onwards

Summary

Find out more on the Sported hub

A fundraising event can be a great way to engage your community as well as raise money for your group.

1. Start thinking about ideas with other people in your group
2. Set up a planning team - and get planning!
3. Budget - you'll want your event to bring in more money than it costs to run
4. Shout about it! Promote and advertise your event to get enough peope involved
5. On the day - even if you've planned everything there's bound to be some last minute hiccups, make sure you have a good team ready to cope with everything
6. After the event - thank everyone and settle up bills. See how much money you've raised!

How to run a fundraising event

This short and practical webinar is part of a series on financial management. Check out the rest of the Sprints on the Sported Hub

How to create a budget

In practical terms, you can use accounting software if your organisation is very large.For most groups, a spreadsheet is a more user and budget friendly option. You can use Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets or Apple Numbers. Do make sure everyone who needs access can open the format you use.Keeping paper records is an option, but make sure you're organised and consider backing records up.

Getting started

The application

Moving onwards

Summary

Primary research

Existing research

Mapping

Statistics

What is evidence for a bid?

You've told the funder about the need in your community, but you also need to evidence this claim.Evidence of need can come from a range of sources, and it's good to have several different perspectives. You can use primary and secondary research to support your bid.

Getting started

The application

Moving onwards

Summary

Click to see a random typical question

Think about your answers, add some notes to your notes doc.

Planning for the end

Most funders will expect you to have a plan for when the budget finishes.Will you close the project? Apply for continuation funds? Use reserves?Have a clearly stated plan, don't worry this can be changed to work with changing circumstances if necessary.

Take a look at some of the UK's leading funders

Application questions

Answerthe question being asked

Have someone proof read your answer

Always read the question! Just like when you were taking school exams, read the question and answer what is being asked.Sounds simple, but you may decide to copy and paste an answer to a similar question from a previous bid, if you do this, do make sure you edit and adapt your response to answer the exact question being asked.Have someone else proof read the questions and answers, a different person may read it with a different emphasis.

Read the question

How to use your evidence

To get the best use of the evidence you submit with your bid, ensure it is relevant to both the need you are trying to meet and to the project you're proposing.Link evidence of the need from a range of sources with the needs you have identified in your bid.Show how there is a want in your community for the type of intervention you are hoping to run.

Mapping the local provision for similar community services can help to show the gaps in provision and highlight the need for your project.Look at your area and consider how your project will fit into the landscape.

Mapping your area

If your project is similar to existing provision, show why it is needed, how it's different and meets different needs.Perhaps your project complements another local service, show how you plan to add value to your community.

Overlapping and complementing

Blow your trumpet!

If the funding application gives you space for a pitch - fantastic! This is your opportunity to sell your group and your project.

This is your time to shine

You may be able to submit video evidence, if so a short video pitch can really bring your ideas to life. If you can include your participants in this even better!Remember, funders look at hundreds of applications - make yours the one they notice.

Crowdfunder is the UK’s leading crowdfunding platform where individuals can take their ideas forward and make them a reality with help from the crowd. Whether you are a sports club, community group, social enterprise, charity or an individual with a fantastic idea then Crowdfunder can help you raise the funds needed for your project.

Find out more on the Sported hub

Crowdfunder

1. Start by checking out the Crowdfund Sport Guide
2. Sported has Crowdfunder trained volunteers, ask for Light Touch support
3. Crowdfunder have an Online Learning platform
4. Check out Crowdfunder's YouTube channel for webinars and stories - including Sported members 3 Pillars and LiveWell North East.

Documents

Find out more on the Sported hub

Funders will each have their own set of documents to include, and will provide a list as part of the application form.As a minimum, you should expect to provide:

• a budget for your project
• your group's annual accounts
• a bank account in the name of the group
• a governing document such as a constitution, trust deed or articles of memorandum and association

Make sure you check the required documents on the application before you submit to prevent delays or even rejection.

Local giving

Trusts and foundations

Donations and in kind giving

Corporate social responsibility

Parish Councils and ward funding

Sported volunteer consultant Bev Garside delivered this webinar on Diversifying your income.

More ways to generate income and donations

Localgiving is a funding site (https://localgiving.org) where you can promote your organisation to potential donors who can search for groups they may be interested in. It can be used for one-off campaigns or be open for general donations.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Many companies have a CSR Policy, which outlines how they want to contribute to their community. They either 1) donate directly to local community organisations (e.g. wind farms have an agreement to put back a percentage of profits into the surrounding communities) or 2) they encourage their staff to volunteer with local community groups by offering their specialist skills and management advice. And you could fit their needs.

There are direct and indirect ways of asking for donations. Determining what works best for you involves a certain amount of trial and error. Consider that different audiences may respond better to different types of asks (e.g. Facebook, your website, in-person, newsletter). Financial donations are not the only way people can give to your organisation. In-kind support is the providing of goods or services directly by an individual or company (e.g. time, expertise, goods, free or reduced price on premises, new or second-hand equipment, transport to training). Think creatively - because building a team of volunteers can significantly reduce costs and raise morale.

Most parish councils and council wards have small pots of funding available for local initiatives and charitable work. Typically, the application process is straightforward and readily available on the relevant websites. Make contact with local Councillors. Some of your participants might be familiar and can help connect you. Keeping councillors aware of your work will enable them to promote positive activities in their area and in return they may act as a reference when approaching grant funders.

In the UK, the words trust and foundation are often used interchangeably. They describe charities and private institutions that fund and support individuals or other organisations through grants. Family, community and corporate foundations are very popular. We have developed a handy guide full of tips to give your group the best the chance at securing a grant. Download 'Grants Explained: Navigating the world of trusts and foundations’ on the Sported Hub.

Phone calls

A funder might call in response to your initial application. Whilst this can be a stressful situation, a conversation with a grants officer can be a really useful tool for ensuring your application's success so try to see this as an opportunity to show off your project.Ensure you have an 'elevator pitch' ready to roll, and be ready to answer questions about the application you've submitted. Ensure you have access to things like your group's budget, policies and constitution.

Exploratory calls to a funder

You may decide to call funders in advance of submitting an application. A conversation with a grants officer can be a really useful tool for ensuring your application's success.Do ensure you read up on the fund before this call, no point in wasting everyone's time if your group or project isn't a good fit.

How to use this unit

This unit is divided into topic chapters, use the navigation on the left to see each area.

You can dip in and out as required, either work through the whole unit, or just the sections where you need to upskill. Work at your own pace, and time.

Work through, or dip in and out

You can contact Sported if you would like more information and help with bid writing

Need more help?

Show the funder why your project is the perfect fit for them

Running costs

Sometimes called core funding, or revenue funding, this is the money that helps keep your group going.Your group needs to cover the day to day running costs like admin and management, accountancy and auditing.This can be a really challenging area to fundraise for, as the work is not tied to a project.Donations, legacies and grants are often used to cover revenue costs. Some funders do provide grants for this type of funding. Charity Fundraising Ltd have a list of funders.

Charity Fundraising Ltd

Getting started

The application

Moving onwards

Summary

Getting started

The application

Moving onwards

Summary

Goal

This is where you can really show what your project is going to do.Your goal, sometimes called the aim, is the reason for the project - in a way it's the flipside of the need or problem.

Your goal could then state how your project will improve this area of need:

The goal is an overview of how you'll address the need, it's not the nitty gritty of how your project will be delivered. That comes next...

Our project will provide a free weekly exercise programme to at risk young people.

48% of young people in our area report they rarely or never exercise. This compares with a national average of 34% .

Think about what your stated need is, for example:

Getting started

The application

Moving onwards

Summary

Getting started

The application

Moving onwards

Summary

Application

The form, usually online, possibly an emailed word or pdf document that is how you apply for funding. Each funder's application form and process will differ.

Milestone

A milestone is a marker to show your project is on track. A milestone could be something like: at the end of the first quarter, we'll be holding classes for x number of young people. It's not the whole goal, but a step along the way.

Activity

What your project will actually do to meet the needs you've identified. This is the on the ground practical stuff. For example your activity might be to run wheelchair basketball sessions, once a week, for two hours in school term time.

Evaluation

Evaluation is showing what your project has done. Assessing your impact on your community is vital to funders, they will usually require a report with evidence of your impact. This is sometimes called evaluation and monitoring, or impact assessment.

Target

An target is what your project is aiming to achieve. It is not the activity, see the page on Outcomes and targets for more.

Online fundraising

Fundraising online with platforms such as JustGiving and Crowdfunder. Charity Digital have this handy guide.

Budget

The project budget is the costs and expenses as predicted at the start of the project. You will need to produce a clear budget to show the funder as part of the application process.

Impact practice

This umbrella term covers how you monitor, assess, evaluate how your project has changed things for your target audience. Impact is what you have done.

Legacy

Donations or bequests made through an individual's will, trust or estate, or otherwise after their lifetime.

Project report

This is part of your monitoring and evaluation, the project report will differ between funders. It should be set out clearly what you are required to report.

Future proofing

How will your project continue at the end of the funding you're applying for? What is your plan for the future?

please add in any terms you think might confuse

Index of deprivation

There are online tools for finding data on the levels of deprivation in your area. See the page on evidence for more on this.

• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

Evidence

Evidence is the proof of the need in your community. See the page on Evidence for more details

Monitoring

Goes hand in hand with evaluation and impact assessment. Monitoring is how you record the data that will show your impact.

Foundation grant

A grant made to a non profit or charity organisation by a private or community foundation through a grant or award. This is often for specific programmes or initiatives.

Unrestricted funds

Funding that is not tied to a specific use. Groups can use this money in any way that benefits the organisation. This is often used for core costs that are otherwise difficult to fund

Volunteer

Any person undertaking a service without pay. Volunteers may be compensated for any out of pocket expenses, but not rewarded with gifts or money.

Sponsorship

Businesses offer sponsorship, sometimes in return for some level of recognition or branding. This can be a useful source of income or in kind benefits.

Theory of change

An explicit process of thinking about and documenting how an intervention will work, why it will work, who it will benefit and what is required for success.

Gift Aid

A UK tax incentive for individuals to donate to charity. The charity can claim money back from HMRC, generating funds. Can be a real boost for small groups.

Donation

A gift of money or other product or service, given without an expectation of anything in return.

Storytelling

How you present your organisation and project to stakeholders and funder using a narrative. By using engaging anecdotes, personal stories and the lived experience of your beneficiaries you can engage emotionally to inspire a response.

Stewardship

Building and maintaining relationships with donors. By demonstrating your accountability and impact you can lay the foundations for future funding.

Local fundraising

Grassroots fundraising from your community. This could include old skool events such as a fete or sponsored event, crowdfunding as well as support from local businesses.

Match funding

Some grants require you to raise an equal amount to the grant. Also called challenge funding.

Joint fundraising

Joining up with another likeminded group could be worth considering. You can pool resources and save on costs.

Outcome

An outcome is a result of your project, it describes how your project will meet the need you identified. It is not the activity, see the page on Outcomes and targets for more.

Non cash donation

Donations in kind either goods or services. This can include time and skills from local businesses as well as physical goods.

Lifetime value (LTV)

The total value of donations from a contributor over their lifetime including past and potential future financial aid.

Grants

Grants are non-repayable funds given by charitable organisations.

Why do you need evidence?

Funders receive many bids, your project needs to stand out to succeed in securing funding. Providing evidence for your claims will back up your bid and make a successful applicaiton more likely.

Making your case

By presenting a factual, evidence based case for the need for your project, you can convince funders of the need for work in this area.

Talk to other groups and contacts who have applied for funding. Reach out to your sport’s network on social media and see where other groups have had successful applications.

Recommend a friend

FInd out about how other groups got on with a funder, did they secure funding? Do they have any advice for you?

Pick their brains for top tips

The need, your group's mission and vision

Defining the need

Think big - this is the world where your group is not needed any more

Link your mission with the funder's mission

Show the gaps that provide the opportunities for change

Your job as a grant applicant is to show there is a need in your community - establish the problem that you're going to address.

Your vision

Essentially what solution would put your group out of business? This is the overriding purpose for your group's existance.

Mission

This is how your organisation contributes to the vision, it's all about owning your group's objectives and how it will work towards achieving the vision.

Find out more with this video from Charity Excellence

Your group will contribute to this wide aim as a part of working towards the solution.

Getting started

The application

Moving onwards

Summary

Grants

Grants come from many places, don't forget hyper local funds as well as the big national funders.Check out on the Sported hub for ideas, and as a Sported member you'll receive our funding bulletin each month.At Sported we run regular Meet the funder webianrs, where you can hear directly from the funder and ask quesitons about the fund. You can watch the sessions we've run previously .Keep reading - this unit will cover all the topics you need to get your grant funding application going.

• Read the grant information - is your group/project eligible?
• Do you have all the documents and information you'll need?
• Does your group have a bank account?
• Are all your policies in place?

finding funding

Are there reports, charity research or government papers you could cite in support of the project you're planning. Remember that any research and evidence quoted should be relevant - ask yourself "so what?" why is this evidence significant? how does it support this project?

Existing research

Much of what you need will be easily available online. Keep to mainstream research from government departments, universities or other established organisations.

Where to look

Consider the background to the research and be careful to look out for biased information.

Bias

Telling your story

Sometimes funding applications ask questions that are probing for a less obvious answer. If you're not sure what a question is really aimed at, try asking a colleague, google the question, or talk to you Sported Regional team.

Think about how your project aligns with the Funders' goals. Tell them why you've chosen that funder: location, speciality, meeting their goals or other.

Use the KISS principle (Keep It Short and Simple). Make it obvious what you are after, for what purpose, for how long, who will benefit, what and when the benefits will be.

UK

Sported funding bulletin

Sent to you each month, and full of funds relevant to sport for development groups.

• signposting
• deadlines
• key fund information
• relevant websites

Click on the region you're interested to see the latest bulletin

Find out more on the Sported hub

At In Kind Direct we help you get the things you need to support your communities. We do this by taking donations of surplus goods from manufacturers and retailers and redistributing them to charities and not for profit organisations. Goods are all new and high quality but become surplus because they are short dated, have slight defects in the packaging or branding, or are returns.

In Kind Direct

1. Join - register for free with just a few questions
2. Browse a huge range of high quality donated products
3. Unlock huge savings with a small contribution to the cost of our service, and receive your chosen products direct to your door

To find out more, visit www.inkinddirect.org or call us on 0300 30 20 200

Find out more on the Sported hub

Sponsorship

Sponsorship can be a great boost for your group.As part of your Sported membership, you have a great discount from Snap Sponsorship. SNAP is dedicated to the development of grassroots sport across the UK and will help you secure sponsorship funding.As part of their partnership with Sported, all Sported members get 20% off across the platform

Take a look at how Dyce Rugby Club used SNAP to grow their sponsorship by 400%

Find out more on the Sported hub

Subscriptions

Many groups use subscriptions from members to fund activities. Check out the rules on Gift Aid as this can be a substantial boost to your income from subs.

Need help with your group's admin?Check out this guide to online tools to help you run your group.Sported members can apply for a free licence for Groop an online admin tool.

Administration

Collecting subs using online payments

• increase income as it's easier to track who's paid
• save time on your admin
• convenient and easier to pay
• transparency and financial safety

Get hunting for funds

As well as searching for funders, take a look at other projects similar to yours. Where did they get their funding? Could you apply to that funder?

Think outside the box

An online search takes little resources, so you can look far and wide, investigate things that might seem a bit unusual or unlikely. Do read the funders' criteria carefully though - applying for a fund for which your group is ineligible is a waste of everyone's time.

Getting started

The application

Moving onwards

Summary

Getting started

The application

Moving onwards

Summary

Do you need funding for a building or physical asset? Look for funders offering grants for capital projects, remember to read the funder's criteria carefully. You might need repairs or refurbishment of your existing building, or remedial works to bring your building up to standard e.g. for accessibility or energy efficiency.Take a look at the Sported funding bulletin, sent to members every month for open grants.

Capital funding

What evidence are funders looking for?

• Cost of living
• Working rates
• Health outcomes
• School attendance

Funders want to know that your local area and demographic need this money and this project.Research your area to avoid duplication, if there are others providing similar services, show why your project is different.Find statistics around the areas of need for your locality.

• Free school meals
• Multi family homes
• Over occupation
• Crime

Choose the funder to fit YOUR project

(don't try to make your project fit the funder)

Allow your passion to shine through