Read the whole competition brief
Start with the current official guidance, including the scope, eligibility rules and assessment criteria. An excellent idea still needs to fit the particular programme.
Look for exclusions before writing. Location, business size, project dates, lead applicant requirements and collaboration rules can determine whether it is worth proceeding.
Explain the project in plain English
Describe the problem, who experiences it and how your approach will help. Be specific about what is new and what remains uncertain. Distinguish evidence you already have from assumptions you plan to test.
Break the work into realistic milestones with owners, dates and outcomes. A reviewer should be able to see what the funding would make possible.
Build the budget from the work
Connect each cost to a project activity and check it against the programme’s eligible cost rules. Use realistic estimates and explain how you arrived at them.
Understand the funding rate and how your business will cover its share. Check whether payment is in advance or arrears and whether you can fund the gap. Avoid committing expenditure before checking the programme’s start rules.
Check the commitments after an award
Funding can carry reporting, record-keeping, publicity or delivery obligations. Read those terms before accepting. Grant support does not always mean there are no repayment conditions.
- Evidence that your organisation and project are eligible.
- A project plan with measurable outputs and realistic dates.
- A costed budget and a plan for your funding contribution.
- Supporting documents requested by the current call.
- A final review against the assessment criteria and deadline.
Useful official sources
General information, not individual financial advice. Check the current official guidance for any programme you are considering.