GRANT APPLICATIONS
PROJECT INFORMATION
Grants Tips and Getting the Right Information About Your Project
Tips for Great Applications
Use these three steps and our Projects Planning Tool to help you be
more successful in your application: THINK - PLAN - WRITE.
THINK carefully about the project. Ask yourself “Why are you applying? “ Are you looking to fulfil a need,
solve a problem, or create an outcome? Call a community meeting; brainstorm the project concept. Talk to
your local Council and other community groups. Find other groups who may be doing this already or who
want to work with you on this project.
PLAN the project. Think about the six key questions – What, Why, Who, How, When, How Much? These
are expanded upon in the project planning tool.
WRITE a draft. Even the simplest application form can take a long time to complete. Use the Project
Planning template to design your answers. Arrange for several other people to review the draft and make
suggestions before finalising the application.
What are the DO’s and DON'T’s?
DO follow all application instructions.
DO read the funding criteria carefully. Make sure your project meets the guidelines, or look for alternative
funding sources.
DO use positive words. Avoid using words like may, could, if - instead use words like will and can.
DO keep it short and sweet.
DO document the need or problem that needs fixing.
DO use language describing an investment in the community, rather than the expectation of a gift.
DO provide realistic timeframes.
DO talk about benefits to the funders such as media coverage, recognition on signage or brochures.
DO check your budget adds up correctly. The total figure for expenditure must equal the total figure for
income.
DO list other sources of funding for your project in the Income Column and if that funding is confirmed or
not.
DO read the FAQ’s – even if you don’t think you have any questions – you might learn something new or
gain a new insight into how best to apply.
DON'T assume your right to funding.
DON'T use emotive language, just try to deal with the facts.
DON'T just dwell on the problems; give a solution or an opportunity.
DON'T use the wrong application form.
Project Information Form- Grants WAKOOL SHIRE COUNCIL
In order to maximise the potential of your grant application, it’s important
that we gather all the information about your project.
Over the following pages you’ll find some handy pointers and questions
regarding the types of information we need from you. Be clear and include
all details; after all, no one knows your project better than you!
The first step in developing a project plan is to address the following seven questions. This will
give enough information to complete your project plan and assist with completing grant
application forms.
What?
What do you want to do?
What are the problems / issues you are trying to solve/improve?
What is the name of the project?
Why?
Can you demonstrate how this project reflects a community need?
Why is the project necessary?
What will happen if the project does not proceed?
Why external funding is required?
Why should the grant maker support the project?
How?
How are you going to fix the problem / address the issue / implement the program?
How is the project going to work?
How will you know if the project is successful?
Where?
Where will the project be located or focused?
When?
When will the project happen?
What are the critical timelines?
(Events to be held on a particular day / solution needs to be implemented by)
Who?
Who will be involved in the project?
Which other community groups are involved in the project?
Who in the community have you consulted about the project?
Which tasks will be allocated to which groups/individuals?
Who does the project target?
How Much?
How much is the project going to cost?
What are the major cost items?
How much money should be allocated to each cost item in the budget?
Is the in-kind contribution included?
Has a range of potential funding sources been identified?
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WAKOOL SHIRE COUNCIL Project Information Form- Grants
Project Plan Template:
Project Name: ____________________________________________________________
Brief description of the project: (50 words):
What are the aims of the project?
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How will the project/event happen?
How Much Will It Cost?
Income
$
Expenditure
$
Project Information Form- Grants WAKOOL SHIRE COUNCIL
When will the Project Happen?
Activity
Description
Cost ($)
Start Date
Finish Date
Performance
Measure
Who will be involved?
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Who has been consulted?
How will you measure your success?
WAKOOL SHIRE COUNCIL Project Information Form- Grants
Please return completed form to our Community Grants Officer:
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Private Bag 40, Moulamein, NSW 2733
In person: Drop it into one of our offices:
Moulamein, Tualka Terrace or Barham, 15 Murray St.
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