How to make an application for funding, donation, goods etc.

Even though you think you may not be able to help, we all know at least one company, shop, local business or organisation with which we have a 'link' - loose though it may be.

At the least, if ten UCARE members wrote letters asking for relatively small sums, their combined efforts could make a really valuable contribution to research and education.

1. Please first discuss your proposal to write with the UCARE office – just in case we have already made an application or are working on the same project.
2. Use UCARE letterhead – we can give you this.
3. Use person's name and title. If possible double check this information with a telephone call or an email. Such information changes frequently, so make sure you have the current name and address.
4. In your salutation, use "Dear" plus the personal title (Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., Messrs., etc), followed by the last name. It is very important that the letter be to a particular person. Call their office to make sure you have the right person and the right personal title. These things may seem like minutiae, but success can turn on attention to such details. Please try not to use to whom it may concern – this makes any letter seem like a mail shot and will end up straight in the bin.
5. Your first paragraph should be short and focused. Introduce UCARE (its legal name) and tell the funder how much money/goods you are requesting and why. Include a sentence or two about what UCARE does, and then include one research-based point that shows there is a need for what UCARE does.
6. Write one or two more paragraphs that are very brief and succinct. State UCARE's purpose [and if you know, how it fits with the funder's mission or funding priorities]. Include the fact that your board of directors is in full support of the project.
7. End your letter with a final, summarising paragraph. Include a thought about what this funding partnership can mean for your event/project's target audience.
8. Use a closing such as "Sincerely” [or “Faithfully” if you couldn’t use full salutation]
9. The letter should be signed by you – stating your association with UCARE ie, Fundraising Group Member, Volunteer etc,
10. If you enclose any information, at the bottom of the letter, include the word, ‘Encs’
11. Don’t forget to keep a copy and keep us updated.

We can give you lots of help and advice, and once you’ve done one, you’ve got it cracked!

Thank you.