f you’re thinking of applying for a grant for your school, check out these top tips from funding guru, Kevin Orchard. Kevin is the Year 5/6 Phase Leader and STEM Lead at Kates Hill Primary School in Dudley. Kevin has secured over £35,000 of funding for his school, including grants from awarding bodies such as Trees for Cities, Learning through Landscapes, The Royal Society and The Lottery Fund.
Tip #1: Choose school funding source carefully – don’t apply if you don’t meet the criteria.
Check that the awarding body supports the activity/equipment that you’re bidding for. If you don’t meet the required criteria, don’t apply: if you have no chance of winning, it is a wasted exercise.
Tip #2: State your case strongly on how the children will benefit in both the short and long term.
If you’re from a deprived area, make it clear that the children have a lack of opportunity. What will be the long term legacy of the grant? How will it benefit the children of today and also those who come after? Explore the positive impact the funding would have for the future.
Tip #3: Involve the local community and local businesses.
How will your local community benefit from the grant? How can you engage the local community and parents with the school through the grant? Would the funding bring any further money to the area? Is there potential for local businesses to benefit?
Tip #4: Don’t overly exaggerate.
State clear, realistic and achievable goals. If bidding for a garden for example, make sure that there is someone to care for it in the long term.
Tip #5: Sign up to Grants 4 Schools.
Receive access to a comprehensive database and pdf document that lists grants available to UK schools, with further tips on how to successfully apply for funding. You get regular emails which helps keep bid writing in focus and reminders for deadlines.
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