Looking to tap into extra funds this year to develop library services? There’s lots of good advice out there that will strengthen your chances of success. We’ve gathered this up and here provide the second instalment on this topic. It includes the findings from over 30 libraries that joined us to discuss their experiences when it comes to making funding bids.
Preparation and planning were important themes that arose time and time again. Here’s how best to stay prepared to make the most of the next opportunity when it comes along:
- Have some projects in mind so you’re ready for when funding is made available
Funding timescales are often tight and several services mentioned keeping a list of potential projects and ideas that have already had some work completed to support them. This way when new funding is announced, you’ve got a head start.
- Know which groups or demographics you wish to support
Showing your knowledge and reflecting the specific needs of these groups, then structuring your project outcomes to meet these needs can lead to strong applications:
“We will provide a service for job seekers or for refugees or asylum seekers. Or we pick an area and tend to kind of drill down into that and say this is what we will provide specifically for those people.”
So get the consulting done ahead: address a specific group and ask what additional services they need. It will really strengthen this kind of bid:
“We put out a quick survey to them… We got some really interesting information, and I’m sure that helped with our funding bid, because it was actually the people who would be most affected by the new equipment and services we were getting that we got information from.”
Working with partners such as charities can lead to fresh ideas for targeting particular groups, e.g. new initiatives aimed at visually impaired people. One library mentioned being approached by a charity in this way. However, you may need to look for additional partners to attract sufficient funding for scaling up beyond a pilot.
Another authority highlighted the value of getting ideas and feedback from their mobile library drivers. It helped to understand the needs from communities beyond their initial reach.
- Building on past successes
Keep a record of past bids with thorough notes. It can help to revisit the wording used in successful applications with potential to help meet tight deadlines in your next bid. Occasionally, a fund may close earlier than advertised if it’s been inundated with applications. It’s always worth keeping your workings handy for the next round.
Better still, make contact with individuals involved in past successes:
“Libraries are really good for communicating with each other. So if you know somebody who’s already had a successful bid with that funder, then you know to approach them.”
- Stay up to date on possible sources
A number of sources of funding information were mentioned to keep updated on where to apply. These included Libraries Connected, LibraryOn website, Section 106 funding, Reading Agency, SLIC, supermarket community champions, local flight path funds, and use of subscription services such as Grantfinder.
Sometimes the council will have a central project manager who circulates funding opportunities from their subscribed information source. Inter-departmental meetings are another source of knowledge:
“We have working groups that can include ICT or other council departments. Then they’ve got their fingers in the pie of knowing potentially what funds are available for you to be able to tap into. So make sure you’ve got someone in your libraries that’s involved in meetings with other departments, and also with external partnerships.”
This way of working also helps to avoid ‘clashes’ when making applications. Some funds have criteria stipulating only one application for your organisation per year, which is important to note with many funding sources targeting more than just libraries.
- Sharing information on projects with suppliers
Suppliers are keen to help you! When Lorensbergs has known about funding available we have supported customers with some ideas of how funding objectives can be met with the help of our solutions, e.g. digital inclusion or reaching new audiences. Kiosk integration and Wi-Fi printing have both played a role here as part of funded projects. Do let us know when funding is available and we’ll do our best to help.
- Speak to your contact points at the awarding organisations
Libraries reported that their contacts:
– Were able to give them advance notice about future pots of money
– Provide guidance on what might be successful
– Give advice on completing the application
- Always ask for feedback
There was mixed success in doing this; some simply got the feedback “Sorry your application wasn’t successful this time” but others reported that some feedback has helped them in future applications. So it’s always worth asking. Even when you’re successful, it may be worth asking what was it that made the difference? Remember, you can also get feedback from colleagues, although this is most worthwhile before actually submitting the bid!
While publishing this blog, it’s great news to hear that £27.5 million has been added to the Libraries Improvement Fund, supporting libraries across England over the next 5 years with investment in buildings and technology. Although we can’t help thinking it would have been nice to have a bigger slice of the £1.5bn cultural pot, this is what we have so let’s make the most of it! We trust the information above will help you prepare in the meantime, then we’ll be ready to help with your bid when the next round begins.
