Ensuring funding for your project

• Add your funding sources and tips for dealing with funders at the bottom of the page (log in with your SALTO username or create one)

Funding providers make money available for a reason: it is up to you to see to what extent your project fits the provider's objectives and criteria. Usually these guidelines are mentioned online. Read them carefully before you make an application.

Once you have decided to apply, it is important to convince the funders of the reason why they should fund your project or organisation. It might be clear to you, but if you don't explain the reasons why your project is worthwhile from the perspective of the funder, it will be difficult for the selection committee to justify giving you the funding.

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Some tips

• Get to know your (potential) funders: why are they willing to give you funding?, what are their requirements?, who is the best person to contact for more info or feedback on your potential project?
• Check the terms and conditions of the funders e.g. staff costs (some programmes do not allow salaries for youth workers or trainers), unexpected costs (will they fund contingency costs?), etc.
• Check the rules as regards buying large equipment (e.g. computers, cameras, etc.) as often funders will not finance these longer-lasting investments that will remain beyond the scope of the project
• Check the rules as regards co-funding (e.g. the EU Youth in Action programme does not recognise other EU funding as co-funding; sometimes contributions in kind are not regarded as co-funding - check with your national agency/funding provider in case of doubt).
• Translate your project into the language of the funder: e.g. there is a big difference between "getting to know the local environment" and "a guided city tour"; some use the terms 'European Citizenship' or 'active citizenship', while others prefer 'participation' or 'empowerment' etc.
• It will be necessary to prepare a different budget/application adapted to each funder and their terms and conditions.
• Facilitate the work of the selection committee. Use the application form provided and stick to the questions asked (this will be the only information required to base their selection on). Provide summaries and avoid lengthy prose or unwanted attachments. Make them smile.
• Is it clear? The funding provider may not know your organisation, your work, your internal jargon. Ask a "naïve reader" external to your organisation or project, to check if your application makes sense.

You can find some application specifics for the Youth in Action programme in "What is behind the paperwork" - Coyote 9 (August 2004) www.youth-partnership.net

Find more tips and tricks about budgeting, funding applications and financial management in the 'Training-kit on Funding and Financial Management': available to download for free from www.salto-youth.net/find-a-tool/371.html and www.youth-partnership.net

• Add your funding sources and tips for working with funders at the bottom of the page (log in with your SALTO username or create one)

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