Funding & Finance

Funding and financial management are vital to third sector organisations, from applying for small grants to generating your own revenue and tendering for contracts. We know that being able to  source the funding required to deliver a sustainable organisation that can achieve its goals, and being able to manage those finances effectively, is crucial to success; be it having enough money to hire a room to meet in or generating sufficient revenue to employ staff and deliver wide ranging services.

eVOLution understands the financial difficulties and pressures faced by large and small third sector organisations. That's why we provide a range of services such as supporting groups to better understand and meet their financial responsibilities, helping to identify and apply for funding opportunities, and offering payroll services to reduce the burden on those who employ staff.

Top tips for applicants – make your fundraising efforts count

  • Read the guidance - it’s there for a reason (if it isn’t, ask whether there is any)
  • If the guidelines don’t make sense, or you’re not sure whether you might be eligible, try to speak to the funder about your questions and what they’re looking for.
  • Do your research.  It is really worthwhile to spend enough time trying to find a funder which is right for you.  Fundraising appeals which begin with ‘I know you don’t usually fund this…’ are unlikely to succeed.
  • Do NOT send blanket appeals – they only mean funders have less time to give proper bids the consideration they deserve.
  • Do ask questions if you’re not sure if you’re eligible, especially if the application process is informal (i.e. there isn’t a standard form).
  • Ensure your application is clear, concise, and as jargon-free as possible – they are unlikely to know what you are asking for if it is shrouded in unclear language.  Avoid acronyms and abbreviations that the person reading the application will not understand.

Top tips for funders – reduce the burden of ineligible applications

  • Provide comprehensive and accessible information about what you do and what you want to fund, preferably online if you have a website.
  • Ensure your application guidance is clear, concise, and as jargon-free as possible.  Encourage prospective applicants to read it.
  • Clearly explain the application procedure – what information will be required, by when, and in what form.
  • Recognise the benefits of providing constructive feedback at all points of the application process, especially when an application is rejected – this should make it less likely that the applicant submits the same ineligible bid again and again.
  • Provide a clear contact point for any queries, together with instructions on how you prefer to be contacted, and when the fundraiser can expect a response.
  • If you are receiving huge numbers of applications which don’t meet your criteria, keep track of them and do some analysis to see if any patterns emerge. Consider how the information you provide to applicants could be changed to reduce the number.