Some do`s and Don`ts in seeking Grant Aid

Some Do's and Don'ts in seeking Grant Aid:
Do :

• personalise the initial letter as often circulars or 'round robin' letters are    neither acceptable nor acknowledged 
• complete the application form carefully and legibly.  Check that the subject is within the sphere of interest of the grantor trust;
• have the form signed by an official of the applicant - not by an agent such as architect or conservator;
• consult the DAC on the choice of conservator;
• aim at specific aspects of work, phased if necessary.  £5,000 for stone work repairs to windows in north aisle" is more likely to attract attention than £50,000 for general repairs";
• attempt to raise money locally - grants flow more easily to those who show signs of self help;
• remember that most grant giving sources are interested in the grant object, not in parochial affairs;
• remember that many grant sources may provide a small grant to enable a proper technical assessment of the problem attaching to the grant object to be obtained;
• describe the grant object, its dates, its significance: give references to published material on it.

Don't:

• apply when the projects do not commend themselves to grant givers, e.g. re-ordering of Lady Chapel, new sound system, repairs to tower stonework and 18th century hatchments would be an unsuitable combination;
• forget to attach concise specifications and estimates for the cost of work, and to include VAT and architects' fees;
• include in the appeal a range of widely different objectives;
• answer questions in a manner in which what is said is accurate, but misleading because of what is omitted;
• answer most questions by "See attached". Trustees like to assess the principal aspects of an application from the form (which is usually circulated);
• seek a grant for internal fittings unless, if necessary, gutters and roof have first been put in good order.  The question is usually asked.

You may be interested to find out more about caring for the contents of your church. See the link below with some useful information.

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