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FUN FINDING FUNDING
Objective: … To gain experience in making funding applications. … To look at the various methods of funding.
Funding looms so large in the minds of most groups forming a voluntary, community project, that it would seem obvious to schedule a workshop on funding options for early in the process. However, as it is necessary to a successful funding application for the group to have a strong sense of their own identity, ethos and objectives, it makes more sense to hold off on this topic until the group has worked out some or all of these issues. Once the Trainer is satisfied that this has been done then it is time to introduce some exercises to stimulate discussion on best options and tactics. The trainer, in the mode of Participatory Learning, is not going to write funding applications for the group. They are going to explore approaches to various potential funder's, linking their request to the funding policies of the selected agency. Clearly, each state will have different options open to voluntary, community groups. The trainer will need to do some research on local possibilities. These can be incorporated in a handout. A sample one for Republic of Ireland is enclosed. Split the group into at least two groups. Have each group select a funding agency sheet at random. Ask each group to select a note-taker. Ask them to then discuss the agency selected and to devise a funding application based on the information obtained. Not a complete application, just an overview to see if they have grasped the idea. They should report back, through their note-taker, to the reassembled group. Give some web sites such as 'Funders on line'.
Materials:
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