Our database is regularly updated with all available information on writers' awards, bursaries and residencies. We also include details of funding opportunities for professional development, and for schools seeking money to bring writers into the classroom.

click here to view all funding opportunities

Funding Applications : Golden Rules

by Abigail Campbell, Arts Council England, (from Our thoughts are bees: Writers Working with Schools, by Jean Sprackland and Mandy Coe)

Know your funder

The easiest way to interest a funder in your proposal is to write it well and with focus. Spend time researching funding opportunities and make sure you apply to the most relevant source. Look on the application as an opportunity to explain to a funder how your project will help them meet their aims.

Once is rarely enough

Avoid the one-off and the in-out. Think about maximising the effects of each activity and of sustaining the benefits. This isn't necessarily about the numbers of people taking part. It's about making sure that you can embed whatever experience you are offering in the life of the school and its wider community.

Strength in numbers

Many public funders will not fund individual schools for individual projects. Consider the benefits of developing a consortium of local schools, or of working with a local arts organization, library or community group. This way there's more support for you and a wider audience for the activity.

Who, me?

Spell out the benefits of your project to participants and audiences. But also take a step back and think about what you are going to get out of the experience. Consider your own professional development needs and interests abd include them in an application, costing them where appropriate.

State the obvious

Never assume that your prospective funder knows what's going on inside your head. Too often applicants leave out the filling in the sandwich and don't describe what will actually happen and how. Imagine you are in the audience at your event: How will it feel? What will you be doing? What is so important about it? Describe how you will manage the activity: Who will do what, and when? Answering these questions well will reassure your funder that the project is valuable and that it stands a realistic chance of success.

Do the maths

Spend plenty of time on your budget. Break it down as far as you can. Avoid guesswork by getting quotes in advance. And make sure the budget balances.

Start early and finish late

It takes time to apply for public funding. Funders are accountable and need to observe due care in their application procedures. So, be prepared to put in time to research, consult and plan, also to review and document your activity. A meaningful evaluation will not only help you attract future funding, it will help you plan for your next project.

The Reading Connects website is a National Reading Campaign initiative funded by the DfES, and features a wealth of information about Lottery and Government funding sources as well as funding from other sources.

ACE is itself a major funder of arts in education projects, and also offers guidelines and information sheets (e.g. 'How to pay artists').