The Funding Centre has launched a new resource to help grantseekers increase their chances of funding success by providing more and better statistics.
The resource – a listing of statistical tools – contains links to websites that provide evidence not-for-profit organisations can use when preparing funding applications for governments and other funders.
The listing includes links to bodies providing national data as well as specific information for each state and territory on a range of topics including population, social trends, health, transport and crime and justice.
Using up-to-date and accurate data based on objective research is a vital tool for strengthening funding submissions.
Our Community* fundraising expert Patrick Moriarty said that while telling the full story of your application was critical, the use of statistics would provide evidence that could create an immediate impact.
He pointed to a recent media report in which The Council to Homeless Persons stated that street homelessness could be eliminated in Victoria within 10 years if the government spent less than $15 million a year on new homes and support.
“While this has not been used in a grant application it is the type of statistic that can grab people’s attention,” Mr Moriarty told the Funding Centre.
“Obviously, rigour then needs to put into justifying the use of the statistic but it has now drawn the reader into the ‘story’.
“Many grant applicants forget to utilise published forecasts on demographics from reputable sources like local and state government or research bodies like universities.
“A lot of applicants provide statistics on the current picture but equally we are talking about the future so the use of a reputable forecast can greatly support your application and help get you over the line.”
*Our Community is the publisher of the Funding Centre website
