How we assess applications

When considering your first stage application we are particularly interested in:

• How closely your application fits with one or more of our six priorities
• The importance of the issue you are seeking to address
• Why you are the best organisation to undertake the work, including your track record
• The strength and feasibility of your idea
• The overall difference that your work is likely to make.

First stage applications need to be succinct. Be careful to avoid repetition and unfocused responses. You should be specific and avoid making general statements where possible.    

Many applicants fail to highlight what they have done in the past and lose out as a result. You should tell us briefly about the achievements that are relevant to the proposal and what you are most proud of. 

We also need to know why what you are doing should be prioritised over other important work we are asked to fund. This could be because the issue you are addressing, or the needs of the people that may benefit, have been neglected.

You need to give us confidence that the plans you have are the right response and that you have the capacity to implement them. Tell us if you will work with partners.

Finally, your application should demonstrate in tangible ways what you hope to achieve with our funding. Give examples if you think this will help us understand what the results will be.

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