Eligibility
You should receive an information pack, which will include the eligibility criteria. Make sure your project is appropriate for the source of funding. It could be just one criterion that could exclude you, but ignoring this may waste many hours!

Application form
The first thing you should do is read the form very carefully, and even more importantly, the guidance notes that come with it. Though obvious, it is surprising how many projects fail through poorly completed application forms. In particular, make sure you understand the terminology being used in the form. If in doubt, seek help!

Guidance Notes
The guidance notes, and any accompanying information, will outline the important issues the funding organisation is trying to address. Each application should reflect the 'agenda' of the funding source: does the funder have a strategy or corporate plan? A useful tip is to go through this information, highlight important issues, and make sure these are addressed in the application form.

Keeping records
It is essential to keep full records of everything that you do for each application that you make, as well as a copy of the application form. Often you may be asked to provide more detail or explain any assumptions you made in identifying target outputs or preparing budgets. This may not be required until years after the application was made, as part of the reporting procedure, therefore good notes are vital.

Good contact
A named contact person within the organisation providing funding can clarify points you are unsure of and keep up to date with any changes in the guidelines.