Unlocking Grant Funding for Charities: An Interview with Robert on the Challenges and Strategies

In this interview, Robert Bentley emphasizes the growing difficulty for charities and businesses in securing grants due to high competition and limited funds.

He advises organizations to strengthen relationships with existing funders and to present clear, well-justified budgets. Robert also discusses crowdfunding as a viable option, especially for startup projects, stressing the importance of targeted outreach and careful costing. His recommendations reflect his expertise in strategic development, partnership building, and bid writing, aiming to help organizations create compelling, high-quality funding applications.

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Robert Bentley, a seasoned expert in finance, fundraising, marketing, bid writing, and project management, offers valuable guidance to business leaders pursuing public grants. ?Robert evaluates business plans, aligns them with current funding opportunities, and expertly navigates the application process to maximize success. With 25 years of experience, he specializes in crafting compelling, effective bids that support business growth and ensure critical projects receive the support they need.

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See below how the conversation went between him and Community First's Morya of the Learning and Development Team.

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Morya: So, Robert, what would you say is currently the most challenging aspect for charities when it comes to applying for grants?

Robert: Great question, Morya. Securing grant funding for charities has only become more difficult over time. It’s not that there are fewer funds out there, but rather an increasing number of organizations are competing for a shrinking pool of resources. This shift means that charities have to work harder on maintaining strong relationships with their current funders and collaborators. Those connections become essential for stability and growth.

Morya: That sounds challenging. How do you see charities navigating these changes?

Robert: They need to be incredibly clear about their goals and articulate them in a way that resonates with their funders. For instance, if a charity is launching a new project, they should clearly state its goals and the impact it’s expected to have. Funders want to see that a charity has a strong, viable plan and that their support will lead to tangible results.

Morya: Do you think crowdfunding has a place in supporting these initiatives, especially for smaller or start-up projects?

Robert: Absolutely, crowdfunding has been a great option for certain types of projects, especially those with a unique appeal. The Monty Python film "Life of Brian," is a fun example. The producers sought funding from traditional studios, but they all passed. Then Eric Idle approached George Harrison, who was willing to back the entire project because he simply wanted to see the film made. While it’s an unconventional story, it shows how a powerful connection can sometimes fund an entire venture. For most crowdfunding, though, it's about small amounts from many people who are motivated by the idea of helping make a dream project come to life.

Morya Short: Fascinating! I love hearing about creative solutions like that. For companies or new products, crowdfunding also seems to act as a sort of litmus test to gauge public interest. What’s your take on that?

Robert: It’s true; crowdfunding is often a form of “pre-selling” a concept or a product. Companies can test their ideas and understand their market, getting a sense of how people might respond when the product is fully launched. It's a great approach for testing the waters, especially when it’s a novel idea. Many platforms even operate on an all-or-nothing basis, meaning if the target isn’t met, no funds are collected. This can protect both sides from underfunding risks and also motivates funders to spread the word.

Morya Short: That sounds like a good strategy, especially since there’s more security in knowing whether an idea has sufficient backing. Is there a final piece of advice you would offer to charities considering crowdfunding?

Robert: I’d say, first, ensure the project is clearly budgeted. Don’t underestimate or inflate the funds you need. If your project requires ￡5,000, ask for ￡5,000, not ￡3,000 or ￡10,000. This level of transparency builds trust with potential funders. And finally, targeting the right donors is key. It’s all about reaching the people who are genuinely excited by the vision.

Morya Short: Thank you so much, Robert. This has been incredibly insightful, and I’m sure your advice will be invaluable to many organizations.