This information sheet has been produced to help community groups in Glasgow to apply for small grants to improve the quality of their local environment. It is not a comprehensive list, as there are a large number of grant giving organisations who support environmental projects in the UK.
Although we make every effort to keep this information up to date, grant giving organisations often change their funding priorities, so the information on this sheet may not be entirely accurate. Please let us know if any of the information on this sheet is out of date.
Fundraising Action Points
How can you prove that there is a need for your project and that it addresses the concerns of local residents?
Work to involve your local community in decision making and keep a record of how many people you have spoken to and what they say.
Have you been realistic about the costs of a project?
When potential funders assess your application they will check that your budget gives an accurate estimate of the costs of a project. For example, do not be afraid to include costs of telephone, Internet, or postage. Some funders may ask you to get two quotes from different suppliers for large purchases.
Could you get what you need for free from other people or organisations?
By building positive relationships with local organisations you may be able to get some of the things you need for free. For example, perhaps you could persuade a local café to provide volunteers with free refreshments after a clean-up event? Or maybe your local community centre could photocopy posters for free? You could even estimate the financial value of any ‘in-kind’ support and include it in your project budget. If you can show that you are getting support from other places you will be more likely to get funding.
What will happen when the project is finished?
Don’t forget to establish what will happen when the project is over. You need to show funders that you have made plans for what will happen when the money runs out. For example, if your group wanted money to plant trees then you would need to show who will water and prune them after they have been planted.
Do you know when you will receive a decision on your funding application?
Although small grants schemes like those below often respond quickly, in some cases you may still need to wait six months or more for an answer.
Does your organisation need to have charitable status, a formal constitution and a bank account with at least two signatories?
To be eligible to apply for small amounts of money (less than £,1000) your group may not need to have a formal constitution and a separate bank account with at least two signatories. However, in most cases, the more money you apply for, the more organised you need to be. Most funders that give grants of more than £5,000 will only consider groups that have charitable status. Don’t let this put you off if you don’t meet the criteria at the moment. Our factsheet ‘Developing your group’ will help point you in the right direction.
Funders
Specific information about dources of funds can be found in the downloadable factsheet below.