Funding Foundations
Practical guidance to help you get fundable & funded!
Funding Foundations is where I share short, practical pieces to help small charities and social enterprises get the basics in place for successful grant fundraising from Trusts, Foundations and lotteries.
These posts focus on the kind of things that make applications easier, clearer, and less stressful. Especially important when you’re working with limited time and capacity!
You’ll find guidance on:
getting organised before you apply
spotting opportunities worth pursuing
putting simple systems in place that save time later
meeting funders’ expectations without overcomplicating things
Latest Blog Post
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!
A simple grant pipeline
If every grant deadline feels like a last‑minute scramble, it’s usually a sign there’s no clear pipeline in place.
You don’t need fancy software, just a simple list you update regularly can make a big difference. As a starting point, create a basic table to include:
Easy to find, easier to trust…
Most funders will look you up before making a decision on your application/appeal. If your website and/or social media are out of date, hard to find, or don’t show what you actually do, it can potentially affect your success, even if your application is strong.
Keeping all your key data in one place
One reason grant applications can take so long is hunting for the same information over and over again. Things like beneficiary numbers, stats, quotes, budgets, registration details, etc, etc...
Policies that give funders confidence
If you’re getting started with grant funding, do a check to make sure your organisation’s policies are on point.
Funders often ask for copies of policies as part of the application process, as they want to know your organisation is safe, well‑run, and taking its responsibilities seriously.
Want more practical fundraising insight?
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I share regular emails with funding opportunities worth looking at and honest insight to help you decide where to focus your time.
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!