VAW > funding

Although VAW itself is not a grant-making body, this section of the site aims to give you the advice and guidance you need when seeking or applying for funds.

Please see the 'current funding' section for more specific information on grants and funding opportunities currently available.

Raising funds can be one of the most daunting tasks that an arts organisation undertakes. It is usually necessary to go to more than one source for the money you want. You will also need to show that you are legally constituted, or at the very least, have a well thought out governing document. Additionally you will need to show your organisation has policies and is taking action to address equal opportunities and cultural diversity issues.

Useful funding contacts

Web Sites

www.funderfinder.org.uk/freeware.php The one called Apply Yourself is a grant application wizard and another called Budget Yourself which will help with creating your budgets.
www.fundraising.co.uk One of the better sites with regular updates. You can also register to receive funding updates in your e – mail.
www.artswales.org.uk This is the arts council site where you download information about their new schemes.
www.cultural-enterprise.com This has up to date arts funding for Wales.
www.wcva.org.uk The Wales Council for Voluntary Action has a number of grants for voluntary and community groups.
www.carnegieuktrust.org.uk The Carnegie UK Trust is an independent, not-for-profit foundation. They support research, public policy analysis and grass roots social action initiatives. Our work is non-partisan and dedicated to achieving practical results in people’s lives

There are numerous other funding sites that offer similar services, but you have to register and pay a fee.

Organisations that can help identify funding

Your local council for voluntary services will have a ‘funder finder’, computer programme to help you narrow the search down. They will also have various books on Trusts and Foundations for reference.

The Welsh Council for Voluntary Service can also offer funding advice. Call 02920 431702.

Your local authority arts development officer can be a good source of information.

Voluntary Arts Wales development team offer funding help and advice. Call 01938 556455.

Publications

You should be able to get these through your library or any of the above sources

The Directory of Grant Making Trusts, Alison Baxter (Charities Aid Foundation) Information about the major grant givers in all areas.

The Arts Funding Guide, Susan Forrester (Directory of Social Change)
Gives arts funding sources for the UK.