Running your PTA |
|||
3Introducing your PTA Before you make a start on the application, make sure you have all the main points of information you need to introduce your PTA to the funder, such as:
• The size of your PTA and the school
• Information about your local area, including your Index of Multiple Deprivation( IMD) level if applicable
• Your PTA’ s aims and objectives
• If you are a registered charity
• Past projects you ' ve funded
• Past fundraisers you’ ve held
• Why you need a grant and details of the project you’ re looking to fund, such as how it fits in with your PTA’ s aims and objectives
Top tip!
Save all your notes so you can use them for another grant application.
4The impact Showing why and how your school community could benefit from the grant you’ re applying for and the impact it will have on pupils is arguably the most important part of your application. Speak to the school to see what helpful information they can provide. It’ s a good idea to provide relevant statistics and research, but also paint a picture of your PTA and your community with examples, quotes and case studies from real people wherever possible.
Top tip!
For every point you make in your application, back it up with evidence.
|
5Clear communication Your application needs to be well-structured( see point 6), easy to understand and provide the exact information the funder is looking for. If you’ ve never applied for a grant before, search online for some examples to get a feel for how they’ re written.
If you ' re filling in a form, read each question carefully to make sure you understand what it is being asked. Please note: some funders instantly reject applications written with AI, so if you plan on using it, check the terms and conditions first.
Top tip!
Get a second pair of eyes on your application – the person who wrote the grant application should not be the one to proofread it.
6Structure and flow If writing an application letter, we recommend you follow the below structure:
1. Project summary / proposal
2. Introduction to your PTA and background
3. The problems and issues you want to address
4. How your project will address these problems
5. How you will measure success
6. Your budget / costs
7. Future funding / exit strategy
|
7Exit strategy You’ ll need to demonstrate to the funder that the grant will pay for the entirety of a project, or your PTA has the means to cover the rest of the expenses if there are any. Sustainability is an important factor for most grant givers.
Top tip!
If the project is for something like a minibus, detail how you will pay for maintenance, such as insurance, repairs, parking and so on.
8Key documents Most grants require additional documentation to support the application.
This might include:
• Your constitution
• Bank account information
• Budgets
• Quotes for the cost of the project, e. g. from suppliers
• Management structure
• Committee structure
• Cash flow forecasts
Top tip!
Don’ t put the pressure on one person to supply all of the documents, spread the work across your members.
Scan the QR code to find out more about applying for grants:
|