As Clerk at Lympsham Parish Council, I, Sally Ferguson, have had the privilege of driving change and progress within our community. After gaining my CiLCA qualification during the 2020 Lockdown period I have successfully applied for and received numerous grants, totalling around £72,000, to fund various community projects. These achievements include the installation of playground equipment upgrades, support for local sports clubs, and environmental improvements. In this blog post, I will share my insights and tips on how to successfully navigate the grant application process, including general advice and common pitfalls to avoid, so you too can make a meaningful impact on your community.

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“The time I have saved since using Scribe Accounts has enabled me to become better at obtaining grants, we have secured grants of £72,000, over triple our income of £16,400.With this grant I have made Climate Change friendly facelifts to the Sports Cub and Manor Hall, and have opened the Community cafe 6 days a week in the club, employing local youngsters”

Unlocking Funding Opportunities:

One of the key elements of my success in securing funding is determination and persistence in applying for grants. I encourage others to be proactive, seek out funding opportunities, and not be afraid to ask for help or advice. I emphasize the importance of thorough research, tailoring each application to the specific grant organisation, and ensuring your project aligns with the funder's mission and goals.

Developing a Clear and Compelling Proposal:

When writing a grant proposal, I've learned the importance of being clear and logical in your presentation. Consider the audience, provide financial information, and describe the project in detail, outlining the expected benefits and outcomes. Establish credibility by demonstrating your knowledge and forward-thinking approach. Utilise the expertise of others in obtaining quotes and gathering information, and always adhere to the specific proposal guidelines provided by the grant organisation.

💡 Here are some general tips and advice on grant applications:

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1. Do your homework: Research potential funding sources thoroughly to ensure they are a good fit for your project. Focus on organisations that share your goals and priorities.
2. Be concise and clear: Avoid jargon and use plain language in your proposal. Make sure your objectives are well-defined and your project is easily understandable.
3. Provide a budget: Funders want to know exactly how their money will be used. Be transparent about costs and provide a detailed budget that includes all expenses and potential sources of funding.
4. Demonstrate the need: Clearly articulate the problem your project aims to address and explain why your solution is the best option.
5. Showcase your organisation's track record: If you have a history of successful projects or a strong reputation in the community, be sure to highlight these accomplishments.

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🚫 What not to do:

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1. Don't submit a generic proposal: Customise your application for each funder, addressing their specific requirements and interests.
2. Don't overpromise: Be realistic about what you can achieve with the requested funding. Setting unattainable goals may make your proposal seem less credible.
3. Don't ignore the application guidelines: Carefully read and follow all instructions provided by the grant organisation. Failure to comply with the guidelines may result in your application being disqualified.

Stay Positive and Be Persistent

I cannot stress enough the importance of staying positive and not giving up in the face of rejection. Apply for a range of grants, both big and small, and don't be afraid to modify your proposal for different organisations. If successful in securing a grant, be prepared to provide progress reports and updates, ensuring ongoing communication with the funding body.

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Impact of Scribe Accounts (note from Scribe)

Sally credits Scribe Accounts for having a big impact on her ability to gain more time.   Steve Smith, Clerk at Wool Parish Council (precept £95,000), did an in-depth analysis and found that Scribe gives him back one month a year.

Its not just sally, check out what other Clerks have to say about Scribe:

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"Using Scribe has made keeping track of budgets and producing year-end figures a straightforward process. My councillors appreciate receiving a summary report at the end of every month. Great work Scribe team."

—Sarah-Jane Bullock, All Cannings Parish Council (precept £20,000)

"I have been guided through the bank reconciliation process.  I am now ready to complete my first AGAR."

—Sarah Skurr, Clerk at Morville Parish Council (precept £12,000)

"Scribe has changed my life as there is so much less to worry about! Its tailor-made accounting system takes the sweat out of parish council accounts, especially for those of us who are less at ease with this aspect of our work. Thank you for all that you do to keep me straight :-)"

—Helen Newsome, Allendale Parish Council (precept £41,000)

"I am Clerk to two Councils. Both have been using Scribe for 3-4 years and I find that it fits their needs perfectly. It has made life so much easier - the members are particularly impressed with the reporting I am able to produce from Scribe for them at each meeting and I find the year-end process is far simpler and less stressful and time-consuming. The training from the Scribe team is always first class."

—Tim Watton, Studland Parish Council (precept £45,000)

"The software is made for Councils so there is no need for work-arounds. Having used other accounting systems like Quick Books, Sage and Xero for small businesses I've worked with I know how the businesses adapt their workflows to the software, finding ways to cope with any limitations. With Scribe you get exactly what you need because its bespoke to Councils. I also love that the team are improving the system as and when its required, and in response to feedback from users."

— Louise.

Plenty more can be found on https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/scribeaccounts.com

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Conclusion

My journey in securing grants for our community showcases the power of determination, strategic thinking, and persistence. By following the advice and tips I've shared, you too can unlock funding opportunities and make a meaningful impact on your community. Whether you're a clerk, a community leader, or simply passionate about making a difference, my insights offer valuable guidance for anyone looking to secure funding for projects that matter.

You can watch me talk about it in this webinar. Good luck !

Other relevant help

• Guide - A-Z Of Grant Funding For Town And Parish Councils
• Webinar - Grant Writing & Funding Opportunities
• Blog - Grant Writing & Funding Opportunities For Town & Parish Councils

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