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SESSION D.2: EXERCISES

FUN FINDING FUNDING

Exercise

Given that most funding from government departments, statutory agencies and intermediate funding-bodies have community development, empowerment or elimination of discrimination, as general priorities, you should try to tailor your application, specifically, to one such clear objective.

Some examples to assist you; If you find that the Department of Justice has developed a policy of trying to rehabilitate young ex-offenders and has a significant budget to do this, then an offer to train a group of these young people in media use could prove successful. Or the Department of Education has a healthy budget to support literacy projects in disadvantaged area, could you devise an on-air literacy programme to meet this social need? These are examples of applications that have worked for other community media projects. Use your imagination to match the policy of the agency selected, to a realistic application from your project.

For these exercises we have chosen the Combat Poverty Agency and the development agency OXFAM.

Through discussion, identify a realistic proposal, one that you can meet, that these agencies can fund, and write up the heads and first paragraph of each section.

Suggested heads, and some general hints;

Identify the 'Driving Force' behind your project, why do you do it?

Are you looking for funding for a once off, or a longer project?

What is the time frame for the proposed action?

Are you sure that you can deliver?

Identify your audience, and your available media skills.

Outline opportunities for publicity.

Can you add-on extra value? (Can the station enhance the Agency in any way?)

Precedents (we've done this before) or endorsements (these groups use our service) to present to the potential funder.

Have you an annual report to include? (Shows how well you handle money)

Actual Combat Poverty Agency and OXFAM 'Grant Application Forms' are included, use these to practice on. You also have a summary of advice to applicants provided by the Agencies.

Report back to the main group in the time allotted to you.

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