Engagement Funding

The MVLS Engagement team can:

  • provide advice and support on applying for internal and external public engagement funding
  • help find the right funder for your project
  • offer guidance on completing research grant applications and funding forms.

If you are seeking funding for public engagement activities please review the options listed below. 

Top Tips for Successful PE Funding Applications

TOP TIPS For SUCCESSFUL PE Funding APPLICATIONS

Advice on applications varies depending on your project and the fund selected

But there are some general points

 

Find the right Fund

Do your homework – know it’s the correct fund for you and your PE activity

Understand what the funder is trying to achieve through their scheme

Read the Fund Criteria – are you eligible, is your PE project?

Check case studies/example applications

Contact funding body for advice BEFORE you apply

Use local support –MVLS Engagement team

Speak to other successful applicants

 

Make a compelling case

Why is the project is important - Why are you the right person to deliver it?

Transparency and accountability - show you understand what is required eg GDPR

Problems - how might you solve them?

If you do not get this funding – what happens to the project?

Most Funds will have applications forms but ensure you include all important elements to make your application as strong as possible

 

Clear jargon free language

Use accessible language and vocabulary throughout. Avoid academic jargon or acronyms.

Ensure when referring to the Funder you do so correctly – it is now just Wellcome (not The Wellcome Trust)

 

What is going to happen and why are you doing it?

Clear aims and objectives.

What will actually happen during the project – who is going to do what?

Show how your aims fit with the funder’s ambition for their scheme.

 

Clear identification of public group and their need and how your will contact them

Timeline with allocated tasks

Benefit for the audience / Impact on you and your research

 

What will the money be spent on?

Realistic budget with mention of any additional funds or in-kind support

Always demonstrate good value for money - Have you really thought about what might enable or encourage your target audience to take part?

Do you need to subsidise travel costs? Have you budgeted for catering? Do you need to pay for support workers? Have you thought about access costs?

 

How will you demonstrate success?

Planned evaluation and monitoring that will measure what you want to know