Resourcing Projects
Key Terms
- Resources: Whatever you need to run the project, e.g. space (rented or owned), staff
(paid or volunteers), equipment and materials - and the money to pay for all of these. - Inputs: The resources you put into your project to deliver its outputs e.g. time, money.
What Groups tell us:
- "No-one asked the staff what was realistic when they applied for funding, so now we're committed to meeting impossible targets."
- "We got a new computer, but no-one had thought where to put it or who would use it, and there's no maintenance agreement for it - so it's still in the box."
What Funders tell us:
- "It doesn't always have to be the cheapest way of doing something, but you have to explain to us why it's the best way."
- "We want to see that you have fully planned your projects so that things will be able to happen effectively."
Are you ready for funding?
- Consider each objective or plan separately and work out what resources you need to find.
Remember money isn't necessarily the only way to get something - you might be able to tap into a free service or find help in kind (gifts of materials) instead. - You may know that what your project needs is 3 workers, a purpose-built centre and a minibus, but salaries, buildings, and vehicles are all difficult to fundraise for, especially for new groups (because funders think there's a higher risk of them failing).
- Think whether this is the only way to achieve your aims. Do you need a minibus, or would it be cheaper to hire taxis? Do you need your own premises, or could you share space with another group? Even if you decide to stick with your original plan, it will help your funding applications if you can show you have looked at the alternatives and can say why this is the best option.
- If you do want a minibus, how will you meet all the running costs? Where will it be garaged? Who will drive it? Would it be cheaper to lease one or buy it? To persuade a under to fund this, you'll need answers to all these questions.
- If you want to take on paid staff, who has the skills and the time to manage them? Do you eed training, or new members?
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