Funding Strategy Tips
A structured approach to identifying, evaluating, and winning grants, from initial research through to submission and beyond.
The Framework
Successful funding strategies share a common structure. Whether you manage one application a year or fifty, this four-step process helps you focus effort where it counts.
Research
Evaluate
Prepare
Execute
Research & Opportunity Mapping
Hard Eligibility Criteria
- • Organisation type: Charity, CIC, SME, etc.
- • Location: Specific regions, England-wide, UK-wide
- • Size limits: Annual turnover, employee count
- • Sector focus: Health, education, environment, tech
- • Beneficiary groups: Age, demographic, circumstances
Soft Fit Indicators
- • Mission alignment: Does your purpose match theirs?
- • Outcome preferences: What change do they fund?
- • Delivery methods: Direct service, capacity building, innovation
- • Geographic priorities: Deprived areas, rural, urban
- • Partnership approach: Collaborative vs single organisation
The challenge: manual research overload
Traditionally, organisations spend hours creating spreadsheets to track criteria and filter opportunities manually. This often leads to missed deadlines and overlooked grants.
Scoring & Prioritisation
Once you have a longlist, score each opportunity against your organisation's strengths. This weighted framework helps separate high-probability wins from long shots.
| Criteria | Weight | Score (1–5) | What to Consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Match | ×3 | 1–5 | Do you clearly meet all criteria? |
| Evidence Strength | ×2 | 1–5 | Can you demonstrate need and track record? |
| Delivery Capacity | ×2 | 1–5 | Team, systems, resources in place? |
| Strategic Value | ×1 | 1–5 | Does this advance your mission significantly? |
| Competition Level | ×1 | 1–5 | How many others will apply? (5 = low competition) |
Scoring guide
5 - Excellent: Perfect fit, strong evidence, high confidence
4 - Good: Strong match, most criteria met
3 - Fair: Reasonable fit, some gaps to address
2 - Poor: Marginal fit, significant weaknesses
1 - Very poor: Unlikely to succeed
Building Your Evidence Pack
Need & Context Evidence
Statistical Data
Census data, local authority reports, sector research
Beneficiary Voice
Surveys, focus groups, testimonials, case studies
Gap Analysis
What services exist vs what's needed, waiting lists
Delivery Evidence
Track Record
Similar projects delivered, outcomes achieved, references
Team Capacity
CVs, qualifications, experience, training plans
Risk Management
Risk register, mitigation plans, contingencies
Evidence collection timeline
Start building evidence 3–6 months before application deadlines:
- • Month 1: Commission needs analysis, gather statistics
- • Month 2: Conduct beneficiary consultations
- • Month 3: Document delivery systems and policies
- • Month 4+: Refine and organise for applications
Application Strategy & Execution
Before You Apply
- ✓ Contact the funder with questions
- ✓ Attend information sessions
- ✓ Review previous successful applications
- ✓ Check panel member backgrounds
During Application
- ✓ Follow guidance exactly
- ✓ Use their language and priorities
- ✓ Address all assessment criteria
- ✓ Get external review before submission
After Submission
- ✓ Prepare for due diligence
- ✓ Ready for presentation / interview
- ✓ Plan project start activities
- ✓ Request feedback if unsuccessful
Common strategic mistakes
- • Applying where you don't meet core criteria
- • Submitting the same application without customisation
- • Focusing on what you want rather than what they fund
- • Underestimating time needed for quality applications
- • Not building relationships with funders before applying
Advanced Funding Strategies
Portfolio Approach
Don't rely on single grants. Build a diverse funding portfolio:
- • Core funding (40%): unrestricted, multi-year grants
- • Project grants (35%): specific activities and outcomes
- • Earned income (15%): services, trading, contracts
- • Individual donations (10%): regular giving, major gifts
Relationship Building
Successful funding is about relationships, not just applications:
- • Attend funder events and conferences
- • Engage with their publications and updates
- • Invite funders to visit your projects
- • Share impact stories regularly
- • Collaborate with their other grantees
Timing Strategy
Plan your applications strategically throughout the year:
- • Map all deadlines 12 months ahead
- • Avoid clustering applications in busy periods
- • Allow 2–3 months preparation per application
- • Submit a few days before the deadline, not the last minute
- • Plan for quarterly grant reviews and reporting
Put Your Strategy Into Practice
Complete a 2-minute assessment and get matched to relevant UK grants.
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