Writing a compelling grant application takes time, planning, and a clear understanding of what funders are looking for. At Livaty, we understand that the grant landscape can be complex, and we’re here to help at every stage of the process.

Whether you need full grant writing support, targeted application reviews, custom funding searches, or a consultation to refine your approach, our flexible monthly subscription service, GrantFlow, is tailored to meet your needs and budget.

This guide offers practical tips to improve the quality and impact of your application to increase your chances of securing funding.

1. Understand the Funder’s Objectives

Before you start writing, invest time in thoroughly understanding what the funder is aiming to achieve. Every grant scheme has a specific set of goals, such as promoting innovation, accelerating economic growth, fostering sustainability, or benefiting a particular community or sector.

Tip: Don’t assume your project automatically qualifies. Read the guidance documents carefully. Look at past awards, assessment criteria, and any funder briefings. Your project should directly align with the outcomes the funder is trying to deliver, not just loosely connect.

2. Stick to the Question

One of the most common pitfalls in grant writing is straying off-topic. Answering questions with broad background information, marketing language, or unrelated achievements weakens your application.

Tip: Focus your answers on the specific question being asked. Keep your writing clear, concise, and relevant. If a question asks for your project timeline, don’t explain your company’s history. If it asks about risks, don’t list only opportunities.

Remember, assessors often have hundreds of applications to read, and clarity is a competitive advantage.

3. Provide Evidence

Funders need to be confident that your project is well-conceived and that you can deliver what you promise. That confidence comes from evidence, not enthusiasm. Wherever possible, quantify your claims, whether it’s projected job creation, revenue growth, or carbon savings.

Tip: Include relevant data, case studies, pilot outcomes, letters of support, and credible market research. Demonstrate both the need for your project and the feasibility of your approach. If you’re solving a problem, show how you’ve validated it.

4. Be Transparent with Budgeting

A strong budget isn’t just about numbers, it’s about showing how your project is realistically costed, deliverable, and good value for money.Ensure your budget:

• Covers all required costs without major omissions
• Matches the activities described in your application
• Complies with any limits or eligibility rules in the funding guidance
• Includes justification for major line items (especially staffing, equipment, or subcontracting)

Tip: Avoid vague cost categories and inflated estimates. Funders can spot inconsistencies quickly, and it can raise red flags about financial management.

5. Allow Time for Review

Many applications fall short not because of bad ideas, but because of avoidable mistakes, typos, unclear wording, inconsistent figures, or incomplete answers.

Tip: Build in time for review, ideally by someone not directly involved in writing the application. A fresh pair of eyes can spot gaps, contradictions, or confusion that you might miss. If internal resources are limited, consider using a third-party review service, like those we offer at Livaty, to ensure your application is as strong and coherent as possible before submission.

Want Expert Help?

At Livaty, we help businesses and organisations improve their chances of grant success with tailored support at every stage. Whether you’re exploring funding options, developing a competitive proposal, or simply want expert feedback before submission,

We’re here to support you through our GrantFlow service — a monthly plan that provides consistent, affordable access to grant expertise when you need it most.

To find out more about how Livaty supports organisations with grant funding and tailored monthly support through our GrantFlow service, visit:
https://www.livaty.co.uk/grantflow