Behind the Bid 

We’re always busy behind the scenes helping our clients secure the funding that keeps important projects moving forward. Recently, we’ve been working on bids for programmes like Museum Renewal Fund, Museum Estate & Development Fund, and Creative Communities – supporting a wide range of museum and charity clients. 

These opportunities don’t wait around. Funding calls often arrive with little notice and short deadlines, which means the pressure is on to act fast, be clear, and submit something that really stands out. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, there are ways to improve your chances. 

First and foremost: preparation pays off. Even if you’re not actively applying for a specific fund right now, having your key materials in order – such as budgets, project outlines, and outcomes – makes it much easier to move quickly when the right opportunity does arise. 

It’s also crucial to resist the temptation to copy and paste. Every funder has their own goals, priorities, and language, and your application needs to reflect that. Tailor your content, speak to what they care about, and make it easy for them to see how your project aligns with their aims. Use their terminology, reference their outcomes, and connect the dots for them. 

And if you don’t succeed? Don’t just move on – review. Look at the feedback or revisit what you submitted with fresh eyes. Are your outcomes too vague? Is the impact unclear? Does your budget tell the same story as your narrative? Often, the clues to a better application are hiding in plain sight. 

Finally, never assume funders know who you are. Even if you’ve done great work in the past, each application needs to tell the story clearly, confidently, and without relying on prior knowledge. Assume nothing – explain everything and show the value you bring from the ground up. 

Good luck to everyone applying at the moment – and if you need a second pair of eyes, we’re always happy to help strengthen your next submission.