• Please write in clear simple English - avoid jargon.
• Acronyms - assume we don't know what they mean.
• Ensure that your figures add up - check and check again.

• Write in specific terms rather than generalisations - especially regarding track record and outcomes.
• Please call one of our program managers if you are unsure about anything – don’t guess!
• Don't try to fit a square peg into a round hole. We try to make our objectives and guidelines as clear as possible, so please read the funding objectives carefully to ensure your project is in with a chance!
• It is worth reading our case studies and looking at our Grants Database to get a better understanding of what, how and who we fund.
• Ask someone who doesn’t know what your project is to read the application before you submit it to ensure it is clear and easily understood.

We use a system specifically designed to manage grant applications. When you start filling in the EOI or full application we recommend the following:

• Compose your answers in a separate document e.g. Microsoft Word, to insure against computer or internet errors. We provide Word templates of our EOI and application forms for this purpose (see Useful Templates below or the relevant program area page). These templates are only provided as an aid in compiling your EOI or application. You will still need to copy and paste your response to questions into the online application form.
• The system will time out after 75 minutes. After it has been idle for 60 minutes you will receive a pop-up warning. It is best to save your work before walking away from your computer to prevent losing your work.
• There are word limits for many of the questions so it is also a good idea to check your word count before copying and pasting your responses into the application form. 
• Use only plain text for the information you enter or copy into your online application form. You may use quotation marks, numbered or bulleted lists, apostrophes, $ signs, parentheses, and hard returns. Do not use bold, underline, or italics as the software does not recognise this formatting.
• Please use the spellcheck function which is indicated by a tick. 
• Helpful information – wherever you see the 'i' click on the icon for more information.