Grant programs from development partners are one additional source of funding for communities and regions in their recovery process. Each grant is an opportunity to improve the quality of life of residents, especially in conditions of limited resources.
In addition, the process of attracting grants itself contributes to strengthening cohesion in communities, developing civic responsibility, and strengthening trust between authorities and residents.
Is it easy for communities to receive a grant? Not at all. Factors such as lack of experience, high competition, difficulty in meeting co-financing conditions and finding partnerships, and inconsistency of projects with regional and local development strategies often become obstacles to obtaining additional funding.
What should communities do? Seek help from Regional Development Agencies in their regions, as one of the agencies’ tasks is to increase the capacity of communities to create high-quality project applications and further implement projects according to donor standards and requirements.
The UCORD project asked one of its pilot agencies – namely the Vinnytsia Oblast Regional Development Agency – to share top tips on how to prepare a successful grant application.
“Grant competitions are like casting for the main role in a movie. The project should interest the “director” (grant giver) so much that he will say: “This is it! We’ll finance it”! But to get to the finals, the application must be prepared clearly, concisely and strategically,” the agency team is confident.
Here are key tips from Vinnytsia RDA that will help any community or organization obtain funding:
- It is important to clearly articulate the challenge. Don’t write “We don’t have money, help.” Donors invest in solutions, not problems. Show why the solution is important, what its consequences are, and why your project is the best way to solve it.
- Compliance with the donor’s goals. Grantors are not magical fairies who grant every wish. Each foundation/organization has its own priorities. If the idea is great, but does not meet these priorities, the chances of success are small. Read the terms and conditions carefully, develop the application in accordance with the donor’s requirements and expectations, and your project will get the “green light.”
- Realistic budget. Money loves specifics. “Just give us a million” doesn’t work. Detail the costs, justify each figure. Indicate co-financing, if possible – this will show your seriousness and capacity.
- Team and sustainability of the project. Donors want to see who will implement the initiative. Indicate the team’s experience, the strengths of each participant. And also – what will happen to the project after the funding ends? A sustainability plan is one of the key points.
- It is important to remember to clearly formulate the specific results you want to achieve and the indicators by which these results will be measured. As well as a system for monitoring and controlling the achievement of results.
- Clarity, structure, literacy. No “water” and long texts. Use clear wording, structure the application (problem → solution → actions → budget → sustainability).
And, of course, proofread your text – grammatical errors can affect the impression of your application. And before submitting, show your application to someone outside – a fresh perspective will help you spot any weaknesses.
Use these tips – and let your projects receive support! Also, seek help from Regional Development Agencies, which are always ready to help communities develop through grant opportunities.