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https://nctl.blog.gov.uk/2016/10/25/how-to-write-a-successful-grant-application/

How to write a successful grant application

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Guidance, School-led system

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If you’re interested in applying for grant opportunities, these tips will help you strengthen your application.

Applications for the Workload Challenge research grant close on 9 November.

Read the application guidance

The guidance document will usually contain ‘look-fors’ for each question. This is what the assessment panel will use to score your answers. Make sure that you address every bullet point clearly so the panel know that you have thought about each requirement.

Develop measurable outcomes

Be specific when explaining what your project will achieve and how you will know you have achieved it. For example, if your project is designed to reduce the amount of time spent on a particular activity, specify the percentage amount and the methods you will use to track this. Including quantifiable outcomes also means that the success of your project can be measured more easily.

Be specific about previous experience

If you are asked about your experience running similar projects, be as specific as possible by stating:

  • what you did
  • how you did it
  • who you worked with
  • what the outcomes were

Be clear about the methodology you used to show that you have the capabilities and knowledge to deliver the project in question.

Pay attention to your costs

Make sure that your cost breakdown shows how the grant money will be spent over the entire grant period. Value for money is key for grant applications, as we want to see that the fund will be well spent.

You can demonstrate value for money by including ‘in-kind’ contributions. This includes any activity that you will do as part of the project that is not listed as an expense. For example, some admin for the project may be absorbed into current staff’s existing activities, or you may run an event for your project at your school, meaning that venue costs are already covered. Where possible, quantify these ‘in-kind’ contributions by giving them a monetary value so the assessment panel can see how much project activity is already being covered by the school.

Think long term

Ideally, grant-funded projects should be scalable and sustainable so that the benefits of the project can continue long term. Think about how you can maximise the number of people who will benefit, how you will share benefits or knowledge with other schools and – where applicable – how the activities of your project will continue beyond the funding period.

Proof read

We advise completing your application offline first so that you can spell check and word-count before sending online.


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