Associations play a key role in various fields, including social, cultural, environmental, sports, and education. However, securing funding remains a challenge. Fortunately, many grants are available at the European, national, and local levels.
This guide provides an overview of the different funding opportunities, how to identify them, and the essential steps to prepare a strong application.
1. Why seek grants?
Before searching for funding, it is crucial to understand why grants are a key source of financing for associations:
- Enable funding for specific projects (events, training, social initiatives, etc.).
- Complement membership fees, donations, and sponsorships.
- Provide non-repayable funding, unlike loans.
- Strengthen the credibility of the association with institutions and partners.
2. Mapping available grants for associations
There are several types of grants, depending on the project, location, and sector of activity.
European grants
European programs provide funding for associations that run projects with European relevance, often in partnership with other organizations.
- Erasmus+: Funding for education, youth, and mobility projects.
- FSE+ (European Social Fund Plus): Support for employment and social inclusion initiatives.
- LIFE Programme: Funding for environmental and climate projects.
- CERV (Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values Programme): Grants for human rights and democracy projects.
- AMIF (Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund): Support for migrant integration initiatives.
- Interreg: Funding for cross-border cooperation and territorial projects.
National and regional grants
In France, several public funding programs support associations:
- FDVA (Fonds pour le développement de la vie associative): Funding for operational costs and volunteer training.
- ANCT (Agence nationale de la cohésion des territoires): Support for projects in priority neighborhoods.
- Regional and departmental grants: Each local authority provides specific funding to support local associations.
Private grants and sponsorship
Many companies and foundations provide grants to associations through endowment funds or sponsorship.
- Fondation de France: Funding for solidarity and public interest projects.
- Corporate foundations (Total, EDF, Google.org, etc.): Support for associations in various sectors.
- Crowdfunding and participatory funding: Raising funds from the public (HelloAsso, Ulule, KissKissBankBank).
3. How to find the right grants?
To identify the most relevant funding opportunities, a strategic approach is essential:
- Define the project clearly: What are the objectives? Who is the target audience? What impact is expected?
- Use funding search platforms:
- Check calls for proposals from local authorities and private foundations.
- Leverage networks and federations that share funding opportunities.
4. How to prepare a winning grant application
Once a relevant funding opportunity has been identified, the next step is to prepare a strong and convincing application. The key steps are:
Analyze the call for proposals
- Carefully review the eligibility criteria and funder’s expectations.
- Check the application deadlines and required documents.
Build a strong argument
- Present the context and challenges of the project.
- Demonstrate the expected social, economic, or environmental impact.
- Explain how the project aligns with the funder’s objectives.
Develop a clear budget
- List eligible expenses (salaries, equipment, external services, etc.).
- Explain other sources of co-financing, if applicable.
- Be precise and realistic in the requested amounts.
Highlight partnerships and co-financing
- Showcase collaborations with other organizations.
- Demonstrate the project’s sustainability beyond the grant period.
5. Managing and reporting grant funding
Once a grant is secured, the association must ensure proper management and monitoring of the allocated funds.
- Comply with the obligations outlined in the grant agreement.
- Maintain clear and transparent accounting of expenditures.
- Submit an activity and financial report to the funder at the end of the project.
- Communicate the results to stakeholders and the public.
6. Common mistakes to avoid when applying for grants
- Failing to meet eligibility criteria.
- Submitting an incomplete application or one that lacks clear objectives.
- Requesting a disproportionate amount relative to the project’s scale.
- Neglecting funding management and reporting requirements.
Conclusion
Securing a grant for an association requires time and preparation, but it is a valuable opportunity to fund public interest initiatives.
- Identify the right funding opportunities for your project.
- Prepare a well-structured application to convince funders.
- Ensure proper fund management and reporting to secure future grants.
By following a strategic and methodical approach, associations can access European, national, and private funding to successfully implement their initiatives.
If you need support in searching for grants or preparing your application, contact us for tailored assistance.
