"GrantNet" Funding Conference Update

September 14th 2017 saw over 80 participants from over 70 VCSE organisations attend NICVA & RCN’s “GrantNet” Funding Conference to get a key funding skill under their belts, i.e. – making successful grant applications.

Overview of the day

Presentations, Workshops and Meet the Funders sessions

After presentations on the new system of Fundraising Regulation in NI/Code of Fundraising Practice and Developing a Fundraising Plan, participants attended workshops facilitated by key funders including Halifax Foundation for NIBig Lottery Fund (Awards for All)Big Lottery Fund (People in Communities)Trusthouse Charitable Foundation and Heritage Lottery Fund (Sharing Heritage).

Over extended coffee and lunch breaks participants then had the opportunity to meet other key NI funders including, BBC Children in NeedEnkalonUlster Garden Villages, Big Lottery FundHeritage Lottery FundHalifax Foundation for NI  and Business in the Community (BITC).

GrantTracker Discount Offer Launched

Participants also had the opportuntity to try out GrantTracker, NICVA's NI-specific funding database.  The conference then saw the launch of a 2-month GrantTracker Discount, giving a year's subscription for just £90!

To find out more about how GrantTracker can help you secure essential funding before the discount period ends on 14th November, see here 

What did participants say?

Feedback from both the funders and participants involved was that the day was extremely useful.  Funders welcomed the opportunity to explain what they were looking for in a successful application, whilst VCSE organisations learnt more about how to tailor their applications to specific funders to increase their chances of success.

"To apply all you need to do is try.  No spending money on people to fill in the forms for you." (Bandanas For The Brave)

"Improved my knowledge and eased my doubts and fears of funding applications" (PIPS Charity)

"Excellent, first class, no nonsense approach to advice for community organisations seeking to develop" (County Armagh Vintage Vehicles Club)

"It was an exciting and insightful experience" (Northern Ireland Foundation)

Unable to attend?

For those unable to attend the event, see some of what the funders had to say below –

 

 

Download the Trusthouse Charitable Foundation's Guidlines for Applying for a Grant here.

 

Other useful fundraising resources 

NI Trust Group Voluntary Action Funding Booklet - information on 18 of Northern Ireland’s key funders in terms of their aims, current funding programmes and contact details.  To access the most recent version of this booklet please click here 

Fundraising Articles - find out just what the Fundraising Regulator and the Fundraising Code of Practice mean for your organisation here

Free Fundraising Clinics for NICVA members - sign up for the next available clinic here

Fundraising Training - Developing a Fundraising Strategy on 22nd November 2017 and Preparing to Tender on 29th November 2017 

If you would like any advice on specific aspects of fundraising, or just want to move your fundraising forward, please just contact me at [email protected]

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