Fundraising Toolkit

There are around 8800 grant-making bodies, contributing more than £2 billion in grants to charitable causes each year. These grants can make a huge difference and the amount of funding available means there is plenty of opportunity to have at least one successful application.

IWA has created guidance on small, medium and large grant giving bodies.

• Guidance on Applying for Grants: Before starting an application, it is a good idea to make sure you know what is required as many grant-making bodies have a strict set of criteria. Read our Guidance Note.
• WRG Training Grant – IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group Training Award has been set up to assist with the cost of training volunteers in skills associated with inland waterway restoration. Download the form and guidance note.
• Funding Toolkit – Together with Canal & River Trust, we have produced a funding toolkit to help you when applying for funding. You will find sections on governance, types of funding, writing applications and how to move forward once the decision has been made. Download your funding toolkit.
• GrantsOnline – Restoration groups can take advantage of the IWA’s subscription to GrantsOnline that provides information about Government, European and Lottery funding as well as trusts and foundations. GrantsOnline also has a news service reporting on the latest funding opportunities, which is updated daily. The cost to subscribe to this service through  IWA is significantly less than standard rate for a single access. If you would like more details please contact IWA’s Head Office Restoration & Volunteering Team.
• Charity Excellence Framework: The free, easy to use Charity Excellence Framework, enables you to improve fundraising effectiveness and find more funders. https://www.charityexcellence.co.uk/Home/FundingFindersResources