Voluntary and community groups - applying for funding
If you are part of a voluntary or community-based organisation you may be eligible to apply for a grant or a funding opportunity.
Find out about local government funding
Your local council should also be able provide you with information about community based funding that may apply to your organisation. Many councils will have a number of funding opportunities, ranging from small to medium occurring on an annual basis.
Central government funding
Visit the Government Funding Database, which provides information on government grants awarded to the voluntary and community sector. The Government Funding Database is run by the Department Social Department who have lead responsibility across government for the Voluntary and Community Sector.
Funding for arts-related projects
The Arts Council NI may be able to help with funding for arts-related funding.
Other funding
The Big Lottery Fund also provides funding for voluntary organisations and charities, through the national lottery. Small to medium community transformation grants are available at a local level through to national projects.
The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) provides advice and support to voluntary organisations. NICVA also runs Grant Tracker, a database and guide to funding opportunities.
The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland offers some grant schemes to community groups and voluntary organisations.
How to apply
If you find a grant or funding opportunity suitable for your organisation you will need to submit an application. When reviewing any application the funding body will need supporting evidence of how you propose to invest your grant. As an organisation, you should plan your application carefully and make sure you have sufficient resources available to provide a strong case.
When seeking funding, organisations are much more likely to be successful if they receive support from people who are experienced in the grant application process. You should always seek expert advice if you are unsure about any aspect of your application as this may greatly reduce your chance of a successful bid.
The following is a list of general advice you should consider when submitting a funding application:
- find out if you have to fill in an application form or write a letter
- for the purpose of a letter write no more than one side of A4
- practice writing your bid on a photocopy of the application form
- make sure the application looks good and is neat and legible
- address your application to the correct person
- select a catchy but appropriate project title
- do not assume the funders are either "experts" or "idiots"
- make sure it says who you are and what you do
- establish your credibility as an organisation/partnership
- prove there is a concrete need/ demand for the project
- state how much money you need, what you need the money for and why
- be realistic - do not necessarily bid for the maximum grant available
- ensure your budget adds up and is realistic
- show enthusiasm for the project, but be objective
- show how you plan to monitor/evaluate the project and what will happen to the project when the money runs out
- enclose appropriate supporting material - accounts, budget, annual report, constitution, leaflets
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