Applying for grants can be hectic and vigorous. Over the last couple of years, I have seen a couple of errors occur repeatedly that prevent great ideas/projects/programs from getting the financial support they deserve.
Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
1. Not using provided templates
Templates are designed to ensure consistency and clarity when reviewing your submission. In most cases, not using the provided template will automatically disqualify your application.
Always download, fill and upload the required templates. If it’s a budget, use the budget template. If it’s a proposal, use the proposal template.
2. Failure to provide necessary documents
It’s important to provide required documents. Yet, it’s shocking how often these required documents are missing. Prior to application, make sure all you acquire all the required documents. These documents include registration documents, tax compliance and finance documents. A missing document could be the difference between securing the grant and missing it.
3. Applying for the wrong category
Occasionally, applicants apply for the wrong category, this leads to automatically disqualified. Take time to read the grant guidelines thoroughly and submit an application if your project or organizations fits the required profile. Work SMART not hard!
4. Lack of clarity in proposals
Many applications fail to clearly articulate the project’s goals, expected outcomes. The proposal needs to be clear and engaging. Often applications submitted are poorly organized, too vague or use of technical jargons. This makes it challenging for reviewers to pick out the objectives and significance of the projects.
Be very clear. What is your project about? What are the expected outcomes? Focus on impact. It’s often the little things that matter.
At HEVA Fund , we currently have an open grant for community-based organizations (CBOs) in the Kakamega, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru and Turkana counties which are primarily working in the CCIs or utilizing artistic/creative/cultural approaches in working with young women, people with disabilities and/or refugees.
CBO grant should be centered around the following activities;
- Provision of tailored and inclusive finance for creative and cultural entrepreneurs via an ideation and incubation grant facility and responsive loan facilities
- Equipping young people with global market-relevant skilling programs for the creative and cultural industries (CCIs)
- Advancing the adoption of inclusive and sustainable practices that advance a safer working environment for young women and men through research, mapping of available resources, capacity building, and systemic improvements
More details https://www.hevafund.com/sanara-ota-grants