Funding proposals and reports

Proposals, bids and case-for-support presentations are key to future planning for both non-profit and commercial initiatives. A proposal should engage and inform. Start by asking: what does the reader need to know, and how can that be most clearly presented? Information should be low context – assume the reader has no prior knowledge of the project, or context of your work – or has much time to work out your message. Offer quantitive information where possible. Be specific – generic aims such as "to improve wellbeing", or "to help people" don't help funders understand what you do, or why they should fund you. Infographics can outline a situation at-a-glance. A picture paints a thousand words.

Working 'outside' of your organisation Kate can often identify factors that might be overlooked by staff immersed in the 'day-to'day'. Her research will ask the questions that funders will expect to see answered, and the photographs she includes will tell the story (not re-ignite a memory for participants!).


AVCT: Re-framing the fundraising proposition*

Overview: The slogan "Saved but not safe" had helped a community campaign save the historic cemetery from housing development: it was surprisingly still the focus of fundraising efforts, though the site had opened in 2010 and developed its business model, community offer and relationships. I reflected its importance to the community in the fundraising campaign, putting people at its heart, and better explained the four-year match-funding opportunity – HLF would match funds we raised to a maximum of £50k. The previous three years' Endowment Fund Challenge (below left) confusingly stated “£50k has been awarded to Arnos Vale” and the branding was weak and unengaging.


See For a Lifetime campaign case-for-support documents 


Campaign branding before and after:

brand communication charity third sector


See also Arnos Vale Cemetery Fundraising events and income: Spring Eternal Gala and Fundraising Comedy Weekend


University of Oxford: re-framing the message

 

copywriting, approach, design, target audience


Geovey: funding proposal for business*

Client: Nautoguide Ltd
Overview: Second-round bid to secure funds for Geovey (GIS software public engagement tool) from Ordnance Survey/Land Registry Geovation grant criteria “How can we enable people in Britain to live in better places?”. Geovey was competing with 9 short-listed innovations.
Role: Editor, infographic designer
Brief, aims and outcome:  Edit the content and flow of Nautoguide’s original text document, flag any jargon and structure the information clearly using illustrations and diagrams. Geovery won the largest percentage of avilable funding (30%).
Additional task: On reciept of funding, I designed the Geovey information brochure for community and local authority audiences outlining its services and advantages for community communication.


Two example pages from Geovey's successful business funding proposal:business proposal, bid writing, funding


 

Pages from the Geovey brochure:

swindon, ordance survey, land registry, geovation, brochure


PADSW process diagrams*

Overview: PADSW created necessity of change in rail industry work culture. Infographics presented new process and structure approval from senior management sought at key stage meetings and consultations to release next-stage funding and strengthen management support.

PADSW control of work process diagram:

visualisation of proposed control of work process


PADSW roles and responsibilities infographic:

new job roles diagram for rail worker safety