Designing fundable projects

Strong project design is the foundation of every successful grant application, but it's where many organisations can get stuck.

If your idea is unclear, or doesn't match what funders are actually looking for, you’re unlikely to be successful, no matter how hard you work on that application!

Some top tips for designing something fundable:

✔️ Start with the need - what problem are you really solving, and who says it's a problem? Don't assume! Ask people, check local/national data, listen to feedback, review previous experience.

✔️ Define clear outcomes - what will change, for whom, and by when? Be specific.

✔️ Be clear on delivery - don't be vague about how you'll actually do this work. What are the details? Who's running it, when, where, how often? Funders need to believe you can genuinely deliver what you're promising.

✔️ Find funds for your projects, not projects for funds - I know the funding landscape is really tough right now but look for funders that fit what you actually need, rather than creating projects just to fit funding opportunities. Constantly reshaping your work to chase every opportunity will exhaust you and weaken your applications.

Getting your project design right at the start can save you hours of wasted time and gives you a far greater chance of getting the funding you need 🤑

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