bid writing workshop: lyndsey michaels

1. Understanding what they are asking for (and where to go for help)

2. It’s not what you say, it’s the way that you say it (what to say Vs what not to say)

3. Use the questions to help you write the answers– Example

1. Writing to word limits– About word limits– Cutting it down to size

1. Constructing a gripping intro, project name or overview– Examples

Bid Writing Workshop – Lyndsey Michaels

1. Understanding what they are asking for & where to go for help

- Use their guidance notes- Ask funders for advice

2. It’s not what you say, it’s the way that you say it(what to say Vs what not to say)

- Make it as easy for the assessors as possible- Answer every part of every question- Make it easy to see where there’s value for money- Address any potential issues head-on; show how you plan to

overcome them- Be positive, direct and proud

Facts, figures and evidence+

Passion, commitment and determination

3. Use the questions to help you write the answers

- Identify all distinct topics within a question (and any related guidance notes)

- Use these as ‘headers’ to structure your answer- Make a note of anything and everything related to those topics- Whittle that information down to ‘crucial information’ and

‘useful, associated but not totally vital information’ - Start with the ‘crucial’ info; if you have space left, then add the

‘useful’ info

3. Use the questions to help you write the answersExample

- Project description- Overall Aims- Objectives/Results through this

funding- Timescale(s)

- Events- What- When- Where- Costs- Objectives/Timescales per event

- Activities- What- When- Where- Costs- Objectives/timescales per activity

‘Be specific’

4. Writing to Word Limits – About word limits

- Word limits are a good thing (honestly)- They are necessary for both efficiency and brevity- They give you an idea of how much detail they want- Word limits are a rule, not a guideline!- Find a balance:

- Stating your intentions is not enough – don’t be too brief- It’s equally important to know when to stop

The assessor needs to be able to see the wood from the trees… but it still needs to be a tree, not a twig.

4. Writing to Word Limits - Cutting it down to size

5. Constructing a gripping intro, project name or overview

Do it last -Don’t get hung up on it at the start-Use the info from your bid for ideasWho, What, How, Why, Where, When -Use three or four of these, all if you have the space-Generally always use a ‘what’Buy a thesaurus-Cut out characters or words by swapping them with similar words-Find more exciting wordsTest your intro on a clueless person-Ask a friend, relative, your local greengrocer – anyone – if they ‘get’ what the group does from your intro-Or, ask them to read your intro, then tell you what they think your group does

5. Constructing a gripping intro, project name or overviewExamples

Wolverhampton Ferret Society [WHO] building 100 eco ferret castles [WHAT] by 2015 [WHEN]

(10 words, 66 characters)

Using old trampolines [WHAT] to combat graffiti [WHY] through interpretive dance [HOW]


Forming alliances [WHAT] between politicians and NEETs [WHO] via three-legged races [HOW]


Reducing High St litter [WHAT/WHERE/WHY] by implementing a town ‘naughty step’ [HOW]


Helping community groups [WHO] gain funding [WHAT] through bid writing workshops [HOW]


bid writing workshop: lyndsey michaels

Government & Nonprofit