Here are a few essential tips I gathered along the way:

• Give them what they want. Work out what the funding body wants and show them how your application will help them achieve this. The grant documents might specify this, but also look at their website, read their strategies and – surprise – talk to them!
• Make sure your project is value for money. What might other projects apply for and what are they offering? You might have to modify what you ask for to match the market.
• Use clear, precise, and persuasive language. Keep to application word count limits. Start with dot points about what you want to say, cut out anything unnecessary and then craft your response. Ask someone to proofread before submitting. And always submit on time.

• Names and taglines matter. Pick a short, engaging name for your project and write a succinct and informative description or tagline (no more than 25 words but less than 10 is better). Names and taglines have a massive impact on getting you the money you need.
• Build a relationship with the funding body. Deliver your grants on time and show the funding body your successes. A well written report and media articles about the project can sometimes have more impact than your next grant application. Plus funding bodies often like to see your project builds on past investment.
• Did you realise a grant application is really a project plan? Your application will be much easier once you have identified partners, stakeholders, goals, timelines, budgets and expected outcomes. And as a bonus, you can plan beforehand so you’re ready to strike when the next grant is advertised.