Funding advice & bid-writing guidance

Strengthening your fundraising

Hastings Voluntary Action can help groups to improve the effectiveness of their fundraising, with a particular focus on grassroots groups that are less able to help themselves.

Funding Advice Service

We can provide funding advice and bid-writing guidance to charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises that operate in Hastings. The Funding Advice Service includes:

  • Reviewing funding applications and offering feedback
  • Training about funding and fundraising issues
  • Publicising funding sources in the HVA ebulletins and on social media
  • HVA’s Small Grants Guide
  • Providing specific funding information and advice for organisations
  • Loaning fundraising books and guides
Two women talking to each other at an event

Upcoming training

Looking to strengthen your fundraising or improve your chances of securing funding? From time to time, we offer training and events on topics such as funding applications, fundraising, governance and organisational development.

Useful links
  • ESCC Funding News

    A monthly listing of funders and other related information, compiled by East Sussex County Council.

  • East Sussex 4 Communities

    Search for funders using this free online tool, provided by East Sussex County Council.

  • East Sussex in Figures

    All the statistics you need about Hastings to use as evidence for your funding bid, all gathered in one place.

FAQs

  • Who can HVA help with funding?

    We can assist charities, community groups and social enterprises in Hastings. Other organisations can help you if you are based in Rother, Eastbourne, Wealden or Lewes district. If you are a business or sole trader, Let’s Do Business might be able to help you.

  • Where can my charity get funding from?

    There are literally hundreds and thousands of sources of funding for charities, community groups and social enterprises that operate in Hastings. These include local funders specific to Hastings, countywide funders such as Sussex Community Foundation, and national funders such as the National Lottery Community Fund. You can find using HVA’s Small Grants Guide, ESCC’s Funding News or East Sussex 4 Communities.

  • What do I need to get a grant for my charity?

    Typically grant funders will require you to have the following things in place:

    • A governing document, such as a constitution
    • a trustee board or committee, with at least 2 unrelated trustees or committee members
    • A bank or building society account, in the name of your organisation
    • Policies such as safeguarding

Still can't find what you're looking for?

Please use the resources on this page first, but if you need further help with funding for your voluntary organisation, you can complete our online form.