Tips for searching funding sites

Knowing where to look for funding is only half the battle. Follow these tips to make the most of your search and find funding effectively.

• Search regularly– funding is released all the time and sometimes allocated on a first come first served basis. Maximise your chances of securing funding with regular checks and searches.
• Register on search sites – getting an alert sent straight to your inbox is the quickest and easiest way to stay on top of available funding and you can often tailor it to the specific type of funding you’re looking for.
• Start your search broad – look at all funding sources and narrow down to what you’re looking for. Often digital projects fit in with a range of priorities, so remember to look closely at criteria before you disregard it.
• Find the right funding – Remember to find funding to fit with your project, rather than making your project fit with funding. With the latter you could lose sight of your objectives and lose motivation.
• Look at past projects – Lots of funders have cases studies and stories from projects they have funded previously. This is a great way to see the types of projects they are likely to fund.
• Don’t forget word of mouth –keep in touch with local organisations and other community centres and let them know about the projects you have and funding you’re looking for. They may be able to recommend you to a funder or let you know that funding is becoming available before it’s been released.