Once your group is properly set up, you will be able to seek funds from a range of local and national sources.  If your group needs help with grant applications and with locating sources of funding contact: Voluntary Action Waltham Forest, a local organisation which is set up to support small community groups.

When filling in application forms, please bear in mind the following points:

1.   Start small and build on your success.

2.  Target funders who fund your kind of project.

3.  Make sure your project meets the funder’s stated criteria (don’t waste your time!)

4.  Answer all the questions and provide all the information requested.

5.  Keep a copy of your application.

6.  On the whole funders like to fund projects which involve local people and benefit local communities.  Be clear about exactly:

  • What you want to do
  • Why do you want to do it?
  • How do you know this project is needed? (For instance have you carried out a survey or a piece of consultation that shows your project will meet a stated need?)
  • How will you achieve your aims?
  • Who will be involved?
  • When will your project take place?
  • How will it be managed? (i.e. who will be responsible for the finances and for organising the project)
  • Can you work in partnership with others on this project? (Funders like to see organisations working together on projects)
  • Do you have any other ‘match’ funding to put towards the project from another source? (Funders like to see that you are getting funds from a range of sources if possible.  Remember you can cost volunteer time as part of your match funding).
  • What do you need to do to successfully complete the project? (i.e. what is the grant for:  tools, publicity costs, training for volunteers, plants or trees, money for refreshments, etc)
  • How will this project benefit local people and the local community?
  • How will you demonstrate, monitor and/or measure this benefit? (eg before and after photos, questionnaires from participants, numbers of people using the park)  What will the legacy of your project be?  How might you build on the project in the future?
  • If you are not successful with your first bid, don’t give up – try again!  Try to get feedback from the funder about why you were not successful.
  • Get advice from other groups who have been successful and from organisations that are there to help you.
  • Celebrate and publicise your successes!!

Possible sources of funding include

  • Groundwork’s London Woodland Grants Scheme: grants (£500-£5000) for tree and woodland related projects.  Funding available for a variety of activities from planting and maintaining trees, signage and community involvement.  A new scheme will be announced shortly for 2008/2009. Tel: 020 7922 1230 www.groundwork-london.org.uk
  • Awards for All
  • Big Lottery Fund