If you're putting together a funding bid this spring, here are five ways to make sure your numbers strengthen your application—not hold it back.

1. Be Clear on What the Funder Wants

Every funder has their own requirements, but most want reassurance that:

• You understand how much your project will cost.
• You’ve planned properly and thought about all income and expenses.
• You’re in a stable position to deliver what you’re promising.

Before you get stuck into writing, check:

• Are they asking for a project-only budget or your organisation’s overall budget?
• Do they want last year’s accounts, a cash flow forecast, or both?

2. Build a Budget That Makes Sense

A strong budget shows that your project is well planned. It should:

• Include realistic costs (like staff time, admin, materials—not just the headline activities).
• Show income from other sources (grants, in-kind support, donations).
• Be clear and easy to follow—no unexplained figures or over-complicated spreadsheets.

Top tip: add short notes to explain each budget line. It helps the funder see your thinking.

3. Avoid the Common Pitfalls

It’s easy to trip up on the finance section. Watch out for:

• Budgets that don’t match the rest of your application.
• Costs that seem too low to be realistic.
• Spreadsheets with errors or missing information.

Get someone else to review your budget before you send it—fresh eyes can make all the difference.

4. Show You're Financially Responsible

Funders need to feel confident in your organisation. Even if they don’t ask directly, it helps to show that:

• You’ve got financial systems in place (bookkeeping, oversight, regular reviews).
• You have enough reserves or other funding to support the project if needed.
• You know how to monitor and report spending once the funding is received.

5. Let Your Numbers Tell the Story

A good budget supports your narrative—it shows:

• You’ve thought through the detail.
• You’re planning for success and sustainability.
• You’re ready to make the most of the opportunity.

💬 Need help? At North West Numbers CIC, we support social enterprises, charities and not-for-profits with everything from project budgeting to reviewing funding bids. If you’ve got a deadline coming up and want a second opinion on your numbers, get in touch.
We’re here to help make the financial side a little less stressful.

👉 Contact us today