The words ‘funding and application’ go hand in hand with the words ‘cold and sweat’. lol.

Like any application, those attached to funding programs are daunting and confusing at best.

It doesn’t need to be that way, so I'm here to give you my Top 3 Tips for writing a successful funding application. 

Tip #1 - Meet the eligibility criteria

Sounds simple enough, I know, but you’d be surprised to learn that many would-be applicants read the criteria and completely ignore it.

The best advice I can give you… read through the eligibility criteria, line by line, tick off each line if you want, but be very, very clear about who can apply for the funds.

If you are eligible. Great! 

If you are not. Look for a different grant. 

Tip #2 - Align with program objectives

Every grant is offered to meet a specific outcome or set of outcomes. These are usually listed in the funding guidelines and presented as ‘objectives’. I know—simple, isn’t it?

If your business and/or project cannot deliver the desired objectives (outcomes) of the funding program you’ve identified, then don’t apply. You are wasting your time because your application won’t get past the first level of assessment.

If it does align, fantastic, move on to the next task. 

Tip #3 - Respect closing dates and times

Look, I know. You are reading this and asking me if I’ve lost my mind. In my defense, this is an ongoing issue. I see it unfold regularly. People consistently submit their applications at the last minute.

If the closing date and time is Friday 13th May at 11:00 am AEST, that’s what it is. Because the applications are submitted online, portals close off on exactly the date and time outlined in the guidelines. Without exception.

Even though I've seen extensions granted, they are rare, so it is best to organise your application so that you don’t need one!

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See, I told you they were simple... But don't let the simplicity fool you. Grant applications, when approached in a structured and systematic way, will achieve the success you desire.

Have you applied for grant funding previously but didn't get the cash?

Are you ready to start the hunt for external funding?

We are inviting purpose-driven female founders to download the GrantReady Checklist. 

If you are a Female Founder:

• With a business ready for growth
• And you want to know if you're ready to secure $100,000 or more in Grant funding 

Then we invite you to Download the >> GrantReady Checklist <<

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Author Bio

Hi... my name is Lisa Erhart. I am an Author and the Founder of Funding4Growth. I help women entrepreneurs secure $100,000 and more in external capital to accelerate their business growth and magnify their impact. 

#femalefounders #womeninbusiness #grants #funding