Sydney Community Foundation
Tips for successful grantseeking
1. “You’ve seen one foundation...you’ve seen one foundation.” Every foundation is different so always check the guidelines and application requirements before submitting an application. Don’t prepare a standard application and send it off to every foundation you can find.
2. Many foundations welcome contact before an application is submitted so as to save you writing an application if in fact it is not suitable. Wherever possible, contact the foundation to discuss your application before writing your application.
3. Read the guidelines.
4. Follow the guidelines. Do not think that your project and/or organisation is so unique that it doesn’t matter if you fall outside the guidelines. It does, so if you cannot meet the criteria outlined, look for another funder who is a better match.
5. You must have the tax endorsements required by the foundation to whom you are applying. Do not apply if you don’t have the correct endorsements.
6. Be true to your organisation – don’t write a proposal to suit the funder’s requirements – look for the funder who wants to fund the work that you do.
7. Be realistic about the costs of your project and include the full cost in your application. No funder wants to make a grant to a project that falls over part way through because of insufficient funds.
8. Be realistic about what you can deliver. Don’t over promise.
9. Keep in contact with your funder and let them know promptly if anything changes.
10. Meet your reporting requirements.