The Process Once an Application is Received

Potential applicants are advised to send a brief introduction about themselves and the work that they are hoping to do, before making a full application – especially if there is any doubt that you do not fit the above criteria.

Full written applications will then be assessed by the Director. Assessment may include further correspondence by email, phone or in person.

Short-listed applications will then be presented to trustees at one of their regular quarterly meetings. Trustees select applicants for whom further interaction is to be invited. This interaction is likely to include a visit to the applicant organisation and discussion of governance, funding and wider business plans with the ACT Director and one or more of her trustees. Detailed assessment of the funding request will take place at this stage.

Trustees will then make a formal assessment and recommendation to the full board, which will then make a decision on funding and/or other resource inputs. Potential applicants are advised to send a brief introduction about themselves and the work that they are hoping to do, before making a full application – especially if there is any doubt that you do not fit the above criteria.

Notes:

• It can take up to 6-9 months to assess, work with and make a final funding decision. We recognise that this is not a quick process, but it does afford us and you the opportunity to create a working relationship which, if we fund your organisation, will last anything from 1 to 7 years.
• Our approach involves more than grant-giving and we pride ourselves in our very engaged approach to supporting organisations.  Successful applicants are supported throughout the contract period.  It is common for us to provide at least one trustee for your board, from amongst our board of trustees.  In addition, the Director will keep in close contact with you in order to support the implementation of your business plan.  This will include quarterly reveiw meetings and a more structured annual review.
• Typically we support successful applicants through a process of business and strategic planning, whether or not we go on to provide financial support. In relation to non-financial support, we engage with both the executive and the board. In most cases (but only where there is felt to be added value to the charity) we place a trustee on the board of the grantee organisation. A plan for on-going consultation and advice will also support the leadership and staff.
• We do endeavour not to be too bureaucratic but we do not make fast decisions. That said, we will try to ensure that 90% of applicants will know within three months if we are not going to support their application.

To download a summary of the application process, click here: ACT methodology diagram