Funding Ready - Identifying Funding Streams

Get the lowdown on how you can identify the most appropriate funding streams for your community project.

Finding the right funder is about more than searching for money — it’s about matching your project to the right funding opportunity.

This practical online workshop is designed to support community groups, charities, faith groups and Community Interest Companies (CICs) in Lincolnshire to understand the different types of funding available and how to identify which funders are a realistic fit for their organisation and project.

The session will explore a range of funding streams, including lotteries, trusts and foundations, corporate funders, local and national government grants, as well as the criteria funders commonly use to assess applications. You’ll also learn a structured approach to researching and shortlisting funders, helping you focus your time and energy more effectively.

What the session will cover:

• The range of funding streams available to not‑for‑profit organisations
• Identifying the themes and outcomes your project fits under
• How to research and shortlist suitable funders
• Understanding funder criteria, eligibility and priorities
• Common things to check before applying (deadlines, grant sizes, reporting requirements)
• Where to find reliable funding information and local support
• Practical tips to help you avoid spending time on unsuitable funding applications

By the end of the session, you will:

• Have a clearer understanding of the types of funding available
• Know how to identify and research funders that match your project
• Feel more confident choosing the right funding opportunities to pursue

Who the session is for

This session is ideal for:

• Community groups, charities, faith groups and CICs based in Lincolnshire
• Organisations new to funding and unsure where to start
• Groups that are planning to apply for funding but need help identifying suitable funders
• Trustees, committee members, directors, staff or volunteers involved in fundraising
• Organisations that want to make better use of their time by focusing on realistic funding options
• Groups wanting a clearer understanding of eligibility, criteria and funding language

No prior fundraising experience is required.

Who the session is not for

This session may not be suitable for:

• Groups looking for support to complete a specific funding application
• Organisations seeking one‑to‑one funding advice
• Individuals applying for personal funding
• Organisations that already have extensive experience and dedicated fundraising staff
• Commercial businesses that are not CICs or social enterprises

If you’re unsure which funding opportunities are right for your organisation or project, this session will be particularly useful.

Other Funding Ready Sessions

This session forms part of a series of short bite-size courses around funding which are available to book on. The others in the series include:

• Key Requirements Explained
• Planning Your Project
• Establishing the Need
• What Makes a Good Funding Application - Tips and Tricks