Grants

The sources of funding change all the time so it is important to check you are using the most up to date information on any particular funder before you apply.

There are a number of websites that provide information about possible funding sources including a government website that summarises the different grants available for voluntary and community organisations. Some of these websites are available by subscription and others are free to use.

Apply for funds that will support what you do. You may want to think about how your project is packaged to match the interests of potential funders but do not apply for funds to create something that is not really what you want to do. That is why it is important to think about your action plan or business plan when you are looking for ongoing funding in the same way as you did when looking for initial funding.

Many local authorities have a dedicated funding officer and produce newsletters and information sheets about the latest funding available. Make sure you put yourself on their distribution list and let them know what type of funding you are looking for.

Contact your local Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) for information advice and guidance on local funding opportunities. Many play associations also provide information on funding providers, specifically those that are likely to fund play projects. The Children’s Play Information Service has a database of play associations.

The government's new Transition Fund for charities, voluntary and community sector organisations, and social enterprises affected by cuts to public spending is open for appliations until 21 Jan 2011. For more information visit: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/transitionfund

Commissioned services

Local authorities are increasingly moving from direct grants to run their provision to commissioning services from community groups and other third sector organisations.

This is particularly true where the grants to voluntary and community groups have previously exceeded a certain amount or the local authority wants to award funding over a longer period, usually three years. This means that local third sector providers may be competing against each other to provide local services.

Staffed play provision – including play ranger projects and adventure playgrounds, previously funded through the Children’s Fund, have had direct experience of this approach and the emphasis on delivering against the Every Child Matters outcomes. The Play England publication Play for a Change shows how play can contribute to the five Every Child Matters outcomes.

If a play provider is funded through the commissioning process they will have to have a service agreement with the purchaser (usually the local authority) to deliver on specified outcomes (the difference the service or project will make for its users) as well as outputs (a focus on what the service or project will do).

Embedding the Play Strategy shows how local play strategies can be linked to the commissioning framework for the delivery of children’s services.

There is more information about preparing to tender for local provision in section Finding funding.

Companies

Many local companies, and branches of national ones, have charitable budgets which organisations can apply to. Some funding databases will have details, but often the best way to find out information is by checking the company's website or calling the local or head office.

Companies increasingly like to support organisations in non-financial ways, such as through volunteering or donating equipment or materials. This helps to save money and is often the best way to get a company to donate.

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Organisations