Awards for All is the small grant from the Lottery and one of the easiest to secure. However, many applications are rejected for simple reasons that can be avoided.

1. One common reason for rejection is failing to demonstrate community engagement. This is central to all Lottery applications. You must show that you have actively engaged the people who will benefit. Be specific: give dates, numbers of people you spoke with, and name the groups involved. Include what people have said and why it matters.

2. Another issue is failing to meet the Lottery criteria. Clearly state how you meet at least one of their priorities – it is better to meet one well than to briefly touch on them all. Check your proposal against each priority and show how your activities address them. Be explicit in your response; do not make the assessors assume anything.

3. A vague or unclear project description will also reduce your chances. The simplest way to answer is to address each point in their guidance in turn. This ensures you cover the information they need and provides a clear structure for your response. As you only have 300 words, be concise and avoid unnecessary background detail.

I offer a grant checking service to review applications prior to submission  -For Awards for All this is £40