Grants are a great way to get funding and support for your local community initiative or not-for-profit group. Writing a successful grant application takes research, understanding the process, preparing your application, and then waiting to hear back.

Whether you're applying to the Manor Lakes Community Fund or another important grant, give it your best shot!

A great application can be the difference between receiving much-needed support and not being considered.

Here are some tips to make writing your grant application easier and will hopefully make your applications more successful!

Check you are eligible

Confirm your group's eligibility for the grant by checking the criteria, guidelines, and fine print on the website.

While you're there, note the application end date so you know how much time you have to complete your application.

Prepare supporting documentation

Quickly scan through the application before you begin to ensure you have all the relevant paperwork on hand, including scanning any hard copies and locating the relevant files on your computer.

The Manor Lakes Community Fund application form requires supporting evidence of not-for-profit status and any further grant use information.

If there is contact information, check with the grant provider to see where other applications often go wrong or misunderstand the grant process. This will help you avoid common mistakes.

Writing your application

The typical length of a grant application can vary greatly, with some requiring pages of detailed explanation.

The Manor Lakes Community Fund requires a 250-word explanation. Try to be as descriptive and relevant as possible and include all the required information.

Remember this may be the first time the independent judging panel has heard of your group. For this reason, you may allocate the first few sentences for introductions.

When composing your application, consider:

• How has your group positively influenced the local community? Can you provide specific examples?
• Any previous goals that your organisation set and achieved.
• What are some short-term (within the next year) and long-term goals (3 years) your group has?
• What do you hope to achieve with the grant funding?
• What will the funds be used for? Try to be as specific as possible.
• Where does your group operate?
• Who is your organisation's audience? Which group will benefit the most from your work?

Be honest and clear while keeping within the word limit.

Remember, you can attach supporting documentation if needed.

Make your application stand out

The Manor Lakes Community Fund receives many applications for grants which means some groups will miss out.

Applications that stand out for the right reasons are more likely to get a second look from our independent judging panel.

There are some points you can include for a positive tone to your application, including:

• An anecdote or short story about how your organisation began.
• Any positive stories or feedback from the community involving your group.
• A case study about a member of your group or someone who has benefitted from your group's work.

Before you hit submit

Make sure your application is well written, paying special attention to spelling and grammar.

You can do this by writing your application in a Word document and using the 'Spelling and Grammar' function or by asking a friend to read your application before submission.

Have a friend or colleague look over the application. Does it make sense to them?

A clear, readable entry goes towards a successful application.

Apply to the Manor Lakes Community Fund today:

Our independent judging panel will discuss each applicant in mid-October and decide which groups will receive a $1,500 grant.

All applicants will be contacted in late October once a decision has been reached.

Successful applicants will be invited to the presentation evening on Wednesday, 30 October at 6 pm.

Applications for a Manor Lakes Community Fund will close at 5 pm, Monday 30th September 2024.