External funding advice

Before applying for funding it is important to think carefully about how much money you wish to bid for and how that funding would be used.

• Tenant Participation Advisory Service Fundraising information sheet - although targeted at groups that represent tenants and residents, the basic principles in this booklet are relevant to all sorts of small groups and organisations and offer a straight forward step by step guide for anyone new to the world of fundraising.
• DirectGov funding tips - provide information on all aspects of public services

Free online funding databases

It's important to do a little planning and be clear about what you need funding for before you start looking and applying for grants.  Hpwever, once you're at that stage, the following sites may be of help:

• Government funding website - with details of funding available from central government departments for Voluntary and Community groups
• Grantsnet free online funding search - plus e-newsletter updates

Local and national funders 

• Your local Town or Parish Council often provide funding to support voluntary groups, particularly those benefiting their local community. Contact your Town or Parish Council for more information.
• Berkshire Community Foundation - local funder providing grants for local need, including Grassroots Grants aimed at small groups with an inco9me of less than £20,000 per annum
• Awards for all - one of the National Lottery funders offering a simple application process for grants of up to £10,000
• Big Lottery Fund - funding programmes change regularly so visit the site or look out for updates in the funding news updates posted on this page
• Heritage Lottery Fund - funding for heritage and cultural projects ranging from museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural tradition
• Sport England - funding for to encourage more and better sports activities