Learn how to find and apply for funding that matches your environmental project's focus, scope, and impact. This article covers the steps from planning to proposal writing.

I founded the national Kids Teaching Kids Program in 1999 and ran that for 21 years. We hit $30millon funding in a mix of government, private and philanthropic funding partners, but I can safely say that getting the money to run a sustained environmental program or project is tough going. There’s lots of once off grants and annual funding buckets, so having a clearly defined set of objectives, target audience and participants and trying to find what motivates potential funders is key. It’s also key to have a spread of funders so when one drops away you don’t have a material risk that your program falls over.

Finding the right contacts is absolutely key to securing funding support. And don’t always think you have to walk away with money to be successful. Ask potential funding organisations if they’ll hear your pitch and provide guidance without the obligation to fund. This can help you hone your pitch and get you comfortable when pitching.

Don’t get caught in the trap of being all things to all people. Clearly define what your program is and what it isn’t. Define what outcomes your program will deliver, not just the activity it will generate. Then set about finding elements in a potential funders website, annual report, media statements etc that can help you tailor your pitch around the objectives your funder wants, without compromising the core attributes of your initiative. The other key is to try and find who the main contacts are. If it’s an unsolicited bid and you send it to a general email, it’s unlikely to be successful.

How can you get funding for your environmental project?

If you have an environmental project that you are passionate about, you might be wondering how to get funding for it. Funding is crucial for any project, especially if it involves research, equipment, travel, or staff. However, finding and applying for funding can be challenging and time-consuming. In this article, we will share some tips and strategies on how to get funding for your environmental project, from identifying potential sources to writing a compelling proposal.

1 Know your goals and needs

Before you start looking for funding, you need to have a clear idea of what your project is about, what its objectives are, and what resources you need to achieve them. You should also have a realistic budget and timeline for your project, as well as a way to measure and report your impact. Having a clear and specific project plan will help you narrow down your funding options and tailor your proposal to each funder's requirements and interests.

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Arron Wood AM

Clean Energy Leader, Founder of Kids Teaching Kids, Prime Minister's Environmentalist of the Year, South East Water Board, Fmr Acting Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne
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I founded the national Kids Teaching Kids Program in 1999 and ran that for 21 years. We hit $30millon funding in a mix of government, private and philanthropic funding partners, but I can safely say that getting the money to run a sustained environmental program or project is tough going. There’s lots of once off grants and annual funding buckets, so having a clearly defined set of objectives, target audience and participants and trying to find what motivates potential funders is key. It’s also key to have a spread of funders so when one drops away you don’t have a material risk that your program falls over.

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2 Research potential funders

There are many different types of funders that might support your environmental project, such as foundations, corporations, governments, nonprofits, or individuals. You need to research and identify the ones that match your project's focus, scope, and values. You can use online databases, directories, newsletters, or networks to find potential funders, or ask for referrals from other organizations or experts in your field. You should also check the funder's website, annual reports, and previous grants to learn more about their mission, priorities, criteria, and application process.

Add your perspective

Arron Wood AM

Clean Energy Leader, Founder of Kids Teaching Kids, Prime Minister's Environmentalist of the Year, South East Water Board, Fmr Acting Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne
Report contribution
Don’t get caught in the trap of being all things to all people. Clearly define what your program is and what it isn’t. Define what outcomes your program will deliver, not just the activity it will generate. Then set about finding elements in a potential funders website, annual report, media statements etc that can help you tailor your pitch around the objectives your funder wants, without compromising the core attributes of your initiative. The other key is to try and find who the main contacts are. If it’s an unsolicited bid and you send it to a general email, it’s unlikely to be successful.

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3 Build relationships

Once you have a list of potential funders, you need to build relationships with them before you submit your proposal. You can do this by contacting them via email, phone, or social media, introducing yourself and your project, and expressing your interest in their work. You can also ask them for feedback, advice, or guidance on your project or proposal, or invite them to visit your project site or attend your events. Building relationships will help you establish trust, credibility, and rapport with the funders, and increase your chances of getting their support.

Add your perspective

Arron Wood AM

Clean Energy Leader, Founder of Kids Teaching Kids, Prime Minister's Environmentalist of the Year, South East Water Board, Fmr Acting Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne
Report contribution
Finding the right contacts is absolutely key to securing funding support. And don’t always think you have to walk away with money to be successful. Ask potential funding organisations if they’ll hear your pitch and provide guidance without the obligation to fund. This can help you hone your pitch and get you comfortable when pitching.

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4 Write a compelling proposal

The proposal is the most integral part of your funding application, as it is the document that will convince the funder to invest in your project. You should write a persuasive proposal that showcases the relevance, uniqueness, feasibility, and impact of your project. Additionally, you must adhere to the funder's guidelines and format, as well as use clear, concise, and convincing language. Your proposal should include a summary that highlights the main points of your project and proposal; an introduction explaining who you are, what your project is, and why it is important; a background providing context and evidence for your project's problem, need, or opportunity; a goals and objectives section outlining what you want to achieve and how you will measure it; a methods and activities section describing how you will implement your project and what resources you will use; a budget and timeline section detailing how much your project will cost and how long it will take; a sustainability and evaluation section explaining how you will sustain your project after the funding ends and how you will assess its outcomes and impact; and finally, a conclusion summarizing your proposal and reiterating your request for funding.

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5 Follow up and thank

After you submit your proposal, you should follow up with the funder to confirm that they received it, thank them for their consideration, and offer to provide any additional information or clarification they might need. You should also keep them updated on your project's progress and achievements, and acknowledge their contribution in your communications and publications. Following up and thanking the funder will show your professionalism, gratitude, and accountability, and help you maintain a positive and lasting relationship with them.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you get funding for your environmental project?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know your goals and needs

2 Research potential funders

3 Build relationships

4 Write a compelling proposal

5 Follow up and thank

6 Here’s what else to consider

Fundraising

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How can you get funding for your environmental project?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know your goals and needs

2 Research potential funders

3 Build relationships

4 Write a compelling proposal

5 Follow up and thank

6 Here’s what else to consider

Fundraising

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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