Finding a suitable grant opportunity is just the start of the process to get funding. The application process can take time and effort. Understanding the entire process will help you be grant-ready and improve your chances of getting funding.
For most grants you’ll need to meet the grant eligibility criteria, invest time to write your application, and report on how you’ll spend the funding. It’s important to understand how applications will be assessed — for some grants you’ll just need to answer simple eligibility questions, while others will be competitive and awarded based on the merit of your application. Make sure you allow enough time to collect the required evidence, complete your application, review it, and submit.
Have a clear objective that aligns with the grant. Government-funded grants are a way for government to achieve the objectives of its policies, so funding is usually provided for you to complete a specific project rather than for your business or organisation as a whole. When applying, define your project, work out costs, and show how it relates to the grant objectives.
You must show that your application meets the selection criteria. Evidence may include customer surveys, letters of support, market research, growth forecasts, feasibility studies, forward projections, competitor analysis, resumes of key staff, examples of other projects you’ve completed, risk analysis for larger projects, and links to government policies. Start the process as early as you can — strong applications take time and effort to get right.
Make sure the information you supply is accurate and factual, provides credible data to support your proposal, shows you consulted key people, presents a strong case with clear links between the project, your organisation and the grant objectives, and includes all evidence and financial information required.
More information on applying for grants: business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/check-if-youre-ready-to-apply-for-a-grant
Source: business.gov.au
