Stand out from the pile
With funders overwhelmed with more applications than ever, how do you make yours stand out from the pile?
Funding officers are reading applications on screens, scrolling through dozens, sometimes hundreds, of proposals. One fund reported applications going from 20 to 100 per month within a single year. So how do you compete? Here are a few tips.
Clarity and authentic voice win every time
Every time a funder has to scroll back up to remember what an acronym means, or re-read a paragraph to understand your project, your application loses momentum.
One large funder told us the applications that progress smoothly are those where the team can quickly grasp what activities will happen, who will benefit, and what makes the project distinctive. So include those quirky stories, specific local examples, and real community voices.
Be distinctive
A memorable project name matters. When funding officers are discussing 24 applications in a meeting, generic titles like ‘Community Support Project’ get lost. Something distinctive keeps your project at the front of funders’ minds throughout the decision-making process.
Show you know your community
Strong applications also demonstrate community connection. Name-checking partner organisations, including quotes from local stakeholders, and showing you understand the local landscape all help. Funding officers will check what other projects are operating in your area.
Demonstrate value for money
For public funders especially, clearly show how many people you’ll reach, how many hours of support you’ll provide, and how the investment will create lasting change.
Ask yourself - would you remember your application?
Next time you’re drafting an application, imagine someone reading it at 4pm on a Friday, having already reviewed 20 others that week. Is it clear, memorable, and compelling enough to catch their attention - and secure their funding?
-
The funding landscape is increasingly competitive, and there’s much more involved in getting your application considered. Contact Better Story’s expert team for more help.
