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We wish you all a happy, healthy and successful new year.
This issue we have reflected on new year goals, with a focus on achieving plans and gaining grant funding. We hope that you find the resources practical and beneficial.
As always feel free to drop me an email about anything you have found useful, and any ideas of what else you'd like to see: Dawn Deacon, Community Focus Support Officer at grants@nwleicestershire.gov.uk.
New year wish lists
What better way to start the new year than reviewing your successes from last year, establishing your goals for this year and setting plans to make your wish list a reality?
This could be anything including:
- Equipment you want to purchase
- A project you want to achieve
- An award you want to gain
- An event you want to run.
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What do you want to achieve this year?
"A goal without a plan is just a wish." - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
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Stakeholder surveys
When you apply for grant funding you will often see the question - how do you know there is a need for this project?
Stakeholder surveys are the easiest way to:
- Establish support for a project
- Find out the wish list from your 'members'
- Gather feedback and testimonies about good work you've already done.
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Simple online surveys are often the easiest way to gather opinions quickly. You can use simple templates such as Microsoft forms, or free online packages like SurveyMonkey or Survey Planet.
Don't forget to take account of the responses, even if they are not what you expect.
What do your trustees want and need to know from your stakeholders?
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Smart goal setting
Goal planning not only helps you keep a project on track, but it can also help you build the framework of a good grant application.
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We have put together simple goal planning and project templates, for projects requiring external funding, which you can use to get started. (feel free to edit them as you wish). It includes sections such as:
- Project Objectives
- Impacts
- Funding to apply for
- Action plan
Don't forget to think about who will take a lead on the different projects. The new year is a great time to share responsibilities across your organisation, so don't be afraid to ask for volunteers or delegate.
"Failing to plan is planning to fail." - Alan Lakein
Grant funding calendar
As you know there are lots and lots of grant funds opening and closing throughout the year.
I have put together a 'year at a glance' calendar of some of the key grants accessible to groups in the NWL district. This should hopefully help you plan what to apply for during the year and to ensure you hit those deadlines. These include:
- NWLDC Grants
- East Midlands Airport
- Severn Trent
- Making Local lives Better
- And more...
I've also included a set of links direct to the grants, as well as some other sites you can use to search for more specific grants for your specialist area or project.
NB: dates may be subject to change.
Have you got anyone with hidden skills at bid writing? Now is the time to ask!
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Funding support
Keep an eye on your inboxes (check your SPAM too) as I often send out direct emails to groups when I see funding opportunities that may be suitable for you.
If you have any particular projects that you are looking to fund, don't be afraid to let me know so I can keep any eye out.
We know there is funding out there, and I want us to get as much of it into our area as possible!
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Free meet the expert event: easyfundraising |
At this 'Meet the Expert' event Becky Coleman, Partnerships Manager for easyfundraising, will explain how changing your organisation's and network's online shopping habits can support your fundraising goals.
The event is running online on Monday 26 January 2 - 3pm.
Look out for the VCSE Survey - coming soon.
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