Help and Advice - Introduction
'Help and Advice' from fit4funding
Before you look for sources of funds it will help you to know what fit4funding does and how it helps community groups/voluntary organisations in England and Wales.
However:
fit4funding does not give grants.
fit4funding will not write or make your funding application for you.
fit4funding will not approach a funder for you or recommend you to a funder.
fit4funding's remit is to help voluntary organisations not individuals, statutory bodies or commercial organisations.
WARNING - Fundraising Services
Funding advice and help with applications should be available to you locally, free of charge. There should be no need to pay a freelance fundraiser for their services but if you choose to do so, funders will almost certainly not allow provision for retrospective payment of any fees you have already paid or commission for a successful application within any grants made. If these are hidden and you use funds to make these payments then you may be liable to repay all or part of your grant.
How to use this website
This website is designed to help people seeking funding for voluntary and community work. It does not contain information for funding for individuals. Those looking for funding for work associated with education and schools should look at the Education Page before using the rest of the resources.
Whatever you do do to raise funds for your activities it will help to raise the profile of your work and make people aware of what you do. You will find help in this section with different aspects of marketing.
'In your area'
Before you start it will be helpful to know what is available 'In your area'. There are Regional and Local pages that show you what help and funding sources are available in your area.
The Funding Process
The process of gaining funding is approached in several stages. It is suggested that you look at each section in turn before exploring the next.
1. Prepare - Background preparation
Help and advice on what to do before applying for funds.
2. Fund - Sources of funding
Help and advice in finding suitable funding and other resources.
3. Apply - Making applications
Help and advice on making applications for funding.
4. Spend - Managing funds
Help and advice for those who have received grants or other funding.
5. Next - When funding comes to an end
Help and advice on what to do when funding comes to an end.
Marketing
Whatever you do do to raise funds for your activities it will help to raise the profile of your work and make people aware of what you do. You will find help in this section with different aspects of marketing.
