This article looks at the rules for successful grant writing and how to
write more creatively. It includes exercises designed to improve your
written work across all fundraising areas. You will begin to think about
your own bid writing style, explore the use of fundraising language and
apply good practice. Lots of examples are used to help you improve your
written work, including:

- Improving applications and appeal letters

- Making your written materials come alive

- Finding new ways to say the same thing

Delegates will participate in a short roleplay at the end of the workshop.

Visual Pointers to use to make your Application or Appeal Letter stand out

Use Active Language

Active language engages the reader. It is persuasive and positive and
convinces the funder that there is a project about to happen:

DO write actively

. This project will.

. We expect to.

. This project is necessary because.

DON'T write passively

. This project aims to.

. It is our hope that.

. If this project didn't happen.

Plain English

When you are passionate and close to an idea it's easy to go overboard with
jargon. Keep to plain English to state your point.

"High quality learning environments are necessary for the facilitation of
the learning process" OR WRITTEN IN PLAIN ENGLISH "Children need good
schools"

Visit www.plainenglish.co.uk for free guides

Critical Reading

Assessors tend to adopt a critical reading style when appraising
applications, helping them to skim and review a bid.

For further information and training visit www.fundraisingskills.co.uk

Online accredited courses for school, charity and healthcare fundraisers