Top Ten Tips for Grant Applicants

The Society Foundation is committed to supporting organisations that make a tangible difference in improving employability for some of the most marginalised groups in society: the recently homeless or vulnerably housed, ex-offenders, and young people not in education, employment, or training (NEETs). Through our grant-making, we aim to build capacity within organisations to achieve long-lasting impact. However, not every application we receive can be funded, and we often see recurring issues that can make otherwise strong proposals less competitive. To help future applicants, we’ve compiled a list of our Top Ten Tips for grant success:

1. Demonstrate a Clear Employability Impact

We prioritise projects that directly improve employability outcomes for our intended beneficiary communities. When preparing your application, be specific about how your project will achieve this. Provide measurable goals, such as the number of individuals who you expect to gain employment, complete training, or achieve qualifications as a result of your work. Applications that lack this clarity or that focus on general well-being without a direct link to employability, are less likely to succeed.

2. Ensure Your Organisation Fits Within Our Funding Criteria

Before applying, review the funding criteria on our 'Apply' page carefully. We fund registered charities working within the UK that align with our mission and focus areas. If your organisation or project falls outside of these parameters, it’s better to seek alternative funding sources rather than submitting an application that will not meet our requirements.

3. Focus on Capacity Building, Not Core Costs

We often encounter confusion around our emphasis on funding capacity-building initiatives rather than core costs. Capacity building refers to activities that strengthen your organisation’s ability to deliver its mission effectively and sustainably. Examples include staff training, developing new systems, or creating partnerships. Core costs, such as rent or utilities, are not eligible for our funding. Ensure your application clearly explains how our grant will help build your organisation’s capacity to deliver employability-focused outcomes.

4. Avoid Overloading Your Application with Jargon

While it’s important to demonstrate expertise, using overly technical language or sector-specific jargon can make your application harder to understand. Write in clear, plain English and focus on delivering a compelling narrative that explains your work, its impact, and why it aligns with our priorities.

5. Provide Strong Evidence of Need

A successful application demonstrates why your project is necessary and how it addresses an unmet need. Use data, case studies, or testimonials to back up your claims. For example, show how your beneficiaries currently face barriers to employment and how your project will help overcome them.

6. Set a Realistic Budget

Your budget should be transparent, well-thought-out, and directly linked to the activities you are proposing. Avoid inflating costs or including unrelated expenses. Clearly show how our funding will be used and, if applicable, how it will complement funding from other sources.

7. Submit a Complete Application

Incomplete applications are one of the most common reasons proposals are rejected. Double-check that you have included all requested documents and answered every question. Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline, as late submissions cannot be considered.

8. Seek Feedback and a Proof Read

Before submitting your application, ask a colleague or external advisor to review it. Fresh eyes can catch errors or identify areas where your message could be stronger. Spelling mistakes or poorly formatted documents can create an impression of carelessness, so take the time to polish your application.

9. Be Honest About Challenges

We value transparency. If your organisation faces challenges, such as limited resources or difficulties in reaching certain groups, acknowledge these and explain how you are addressing them. Demonstrating a proactive approach to problem-solving can strengthen your application.

10. Focus on Long-Term Impact

We are particularly interested in projects that deliver lasting change. Show us how your work will continue to benefit your beneficiaries even after the funding period ends. For example, will the skills and systems you develop through our grant enable your organisation to grow or reach more people in the future?

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By following these tips, you can strengthen your application and improve your chances of receiving funding from The Society Foundation. We are excited to partner with organisations that share our vision for building brighter futures for the most vulnerable members of society.

Best of luck with your application!