Linda Kelly  (chief executive, Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales), Jenny Olsen (director, communications and marketing, Community Development Foundation) and Clare Thomas (chief grants officer, City Bridge Trust) joined us for a panel discussion on what funders want.  Here are their top tips:

Linda Kelly

• beneficiaries are key, not the organisations themselves
• companies want to draw on the charities' experience and knowledge on how to make a difference
• funders are looking for the difference made to individuals and communities
• good governance is key to demonstrate an organisation is well-run: make sure you are registered with the charity commission
• appreciate the value of your volunteers
• check the lloydsstbfoundation site to ensure you fit the ciriteria before applying
• perfection is not required - rather passion and commitment

Download Linda's presentations as a PDF

Jenny Olsen

• think about partnerships - either geographical or issue-led
• sustainability of the project is key - show how this donation will lead to other donations
• with the advent of Big Society, it is important for the sector to have 'one voice': feedback to government about strategic thinking and linking pots of money together

Clare Thomas

• be clear and concise in your applications and supporting documents
• have someone who can answer financial questions at any visit from potential funders
• monitor and evaluate your project - keep people inspired with stories - video is good for this
• make sure your website is clear and easy-to-use - funders will look at it and it is a great opportunity to sell yourself
• avoid using acronyms in applications, as they may not be known to trustees and the people making funding decisions
• an attractive annual review with case studies can be a very powerful fundraising tool
• funders want to be inspired by real people

Download Clare's presentation as a PDF

Watch an interview with Clare Thomas here: