Sometimes we believe only an expert can write a winning funding bid.
I think that’s baloney.
I’ve seen novices write bids that got funded and supposedly nailed on bids from experts get rejected. Hell, I’ve been both!
The truth is, I believe anyone can write a winning funding bid. You don’t have to be a great writer, all you need is to understand what makes a great bid.
So here’s some smart things you can do to improve your next one.
Let’s go.
1. Begin with a bang
First impressions count. Especially when your bid assessor has a pile of bids to read. Use a story, stat or emotive quotation to get them interested. Then follow up with a great first paragraph. Then another and another…
2. Tell a story
We live by stories. Funding bids are the same. What is life like for your beneficiaries before you get involved? What is it like for them afterwards? Tell a story, in one part or two, through the eyes of your service users. There’s no more powerful way to help your reader understand the issues and power of your approach.
3. Describe the issues, not only the problems
Its easy to focus only on the problems you’re trying to solve. But it’s the underlying issues your project will need to deal with. Separate them out. Write about the problems first. Then show that you understand the issues causing the problem and why it isn’t being solved.
4. Write a theory of change first
If you don’t know what a Theory of Chance is then read this. You may not include it in your funding bid but you need to understand it. For every bid, before I type a word to the screen I create a simplified and precise theory of change. Do this and it’ll help you write a clearer bid. Promise.
5. Find brilliant testimonials and use them
Do you know how tedious it is to read a generic quote about how good a project or service is? Your assessor will probably read 100 today. Avoid asking people to provide one. Instead get on the phone and ask them to describe their experience of your service. Record what they say verbatim. Then use the stand out part of what they say. Your quote will be much more powerful.
6. Get your stats in order
I’m amazed by how many organisations don’t know how many people they helped last year, or last month. Or are unable to estimate how many they hope to help next year. Find and organise the key data you’ll need for applications and keep a record of it so its there when you need it.
7. Understand what your users need, not only what they say they want
This might be controversial, but while your users are experts on their own experience, they aren’t experts in designing services. Smart organisations are now using design thinking tools to find better ways to create and test more human-centred services. Start using these tools now.
8. Show, don’t tell
This may seem obvious, but its not always easy. There’s a good rule of thumb to help you know if you’re doing it. Any claim or statement of fact you make should connect to a story, stat, example, quote or observation you describe. If it doesn’t then you’re on flimsy ground.
That’s 8, not 7.
Yep. And there’s another 80 I could have included. So if you’ve got a question about improving a funding bid and would like 30 mins of free advice get in touch here.
