How to Apply for Grants
Earlier this year, Wordsmith Projects was invited to speak at the inaugural Staffordshire Funding Festival, held at the Bet 365 Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent. The event was buzzing with funders, founders, and forward-thinking organisations from across the region. I gave a talk on how to apply for grants and now I want to share those insights far and wide.
If you missed the event, or you are looking for information on how to apply for grants, you are in luck: we filmed a VLOG of the day, including the full presentation. Embedded into this blog, it is designed to help you avoid the most common pitfalls and submit compelling, fundable proposals.
Why Events Like the Staffordshire Funding Festival Matter
In conversations on the day with Jake from Mercia Ventures and Kathryn, from The Next Gen, one of the event organisers, a key theme emerged: awareness and education. Many organisations simply don’t know what funding is available to them, or how to navigate the process. Events like these bridge the gap, offering valuable insights from both funders and experts in grant writing.
Top Tips for applying for Grants
Do your research thoroughly.
Follow all funder guidelines to the letter.
Highlight outcomes, impact, and return on investment.
Keep it clear and simple—no jargon.
Always review and edit your work (ideally with a second pair of eyes).
Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback if you are unsuccessful.
Access the Full Presentation
Want access to the full presentation with more details on those top tips? Fill in the form below and it will land in your inbox. For more tools and templates to support your funding journey, head over to the resources page on https://www.wordsmithprojects.com/useful-downloads
Whether you are just starting your funding journey or looking to level up your applications, these resources will help you build compelling grant applications. Looking for support with your next application? Get in touch via www.wordsmithprojects.com for tailored bid writing and grant application support.