How to write a funding bid

Write the bid

  • Start writing early.
  • Be clear, concise and don’t repeat yourself.
  • Follow application guidance closely as, for example, expanding text boxes or using the wrong font can make an application ineligible.
  • Respond to the criteria, not necessarily the question.
  • Make sure you understand the difference between 'outputs' and 'outcomes' as funders will want your outcomes to clearly link to their objectives or criteria.
  • Think like an assessor rather than an applicant and ask yourself whether you would approve your bid.
  • Use the funder’s language in your response.
  • Make sure your presentation looks good and reads well – use paragraphs and tables to make it easier to read and score.
  • Don’t add information that is not required.
  • Use pictures, charts and diagrams wherever possible.
  • Highlight key sentences in italics or bold.
  • Don’t be afraid of stating the risks associated with your project. The funder will want to see that you have thought about what could go wrong and that you have a plan for how you would deal with this.

Supporting information

There may be a number of documents or other information that could be requested to back up your bid. So, be factual and quote from sources or refer to relevant documents. This may include background or organisational information, such as: