Moving on: what makes a good funding bid?

Many projects inspire groups or individuals to look further, to research and tell people about another aspect of the heritage they have been exploring, conserve another set of documents or artefacts, or to begin another heritage project.

If you’re in the final stages of a funded project, your group already knows something about writing a successful application, but you may now be thinking of applying for further funding. This guide may help you think of things that you did not consider in depth last time, or that you have forgotten. It is not intended to be a complete checklist – every funder has different criteria and different priorities, and you will need to research those and tailor your application accordingly. Sending the same application to a dozen or more potential funders is unlikely to result in success.

This guide will help you with tips and information on the following topics:

• Choosing your funder
• Planning ahead
• What to say about you and your heritage
• What to say about your project
• Outputs and outcomes
• Your budget
• Exit and legacy
• Risks and contingency
• Dealing with the response