Slough CVS recently delivered a “Do’s and Don’ts of Funding Applications” workshop for local sports organisations, following a request from Natascia Bernardi, Senior Active Communities Officer at Slough Borough Council.

The workshop was delivered by Rameez, Funding Advisor at Slough CVS, and welcomed 11 attendees representing seven local groups, including Together as One, Golden Glove CIC and Kayani Camp CIC. The session was arranged after it was identified that several local sports groups were finding it challenging to identify relevant grant opportunities and wanted support to strengthen their funding applications.

Rameez provided practical guidance on where and how to find suitable funding, highlighting opportunities from funders including Sport England, the National Lottery Community Fund, Berkshire Community Foundation, Heathrow Community Trust and the #OneSlough Fund.

Attendees were guided through the key checks to make before applying, including eligibility requirements, deadlines, funding priorities and restrictions. The workshop also explored how to develop stronger applications by answering questions directly, using relevant evidence and statistics, setting measurable outcomes and tailoring applications to individual funders.

Practical examples demonstrated the difference between vague statements and a clear, evidence-based case for funding, helping attendees understand how to communicate the impact and value of their projects more effectively.

Following the session, attendees were signposted to the Slough CVS newsletter to keep up to date with new funding opportunities. They were also reminded of the one-to-one funding support available through Slough CVS for groups requiring further guidance with their applications.