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Letters of support

Some funders, such as Lottery, ask for letters of support which are less than six months old and relevant to the application. In general, letters of support and referees are more necessary and valuable for new organisations.

Covering letters

Covering letters are not usually necessary. If included, they should summarise the application without introducing anything new. They should be n than one page and include the name of you and its purpose, the project and amount ap and a brief statement of the need and the b the attachments enclosed and put them in t requested.

If some information is not available before t date for applications, phone the funder and what to do. Mention this in your covering le application, (‘as arranged, audited annual a to follow’).

Before you mail the application check that all attachments are included, the application is signed and all questions are answered. If a question is not applicable to your group explain why, (‘we do not have audited annual accounts as we were established six months ago’).

Keep a copy on file and save time next year.

Annual reports

An annual report tells your members how the year has gone. As it also tells funders about your organisation, it can be a powerful marketing tool. An annual report that shows the group is close to folding will discourage most funders.

If the funder requires a written annual report but the chairperson reported verbally, note that fact and write a brief summary of the year’s activities.

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