Generally, funders will require evidence – a variety of supporting information to prove the need for your project. This information might include anecdotal evidence or the results of a questionnaire you have circulated in the local area or for potential users of your project. But you may also require information and statistics from ‘official’ sources – for example, local authorities, the NHS, Government departments who will have researched and collected information on various topics. These might include information and statistics on population, health, disability issues, housing, access to education, and training opportunities, local services provision and crime. The type and size of the bid will determine the range and amount of information you may require.

The more statistical evidence you can produce to support your application the more chance you have of success for it proves to the funders that you have thoroughly researched the background and the need for your project.

For certain types of bid it might be necessary to contact your local authority to ascertain what policies, strategies and Local Area Agreements (LAAs) they have in place. It is important to ensure your project fits into these policies and agreements where they exist as it will prove to the funders that you are working in accordance with local strategies.

Pages within this section will hopefully provide a useful starting point on where to source this type of information both locally, regionally and nationally. If you cannot find what you are looking for, or need further assistance, please contact your local funding adviser.

Listed below are some national sites that may help you with your research:

Charity Commission
www.charitycommission.gov.uk

HM Revenue and Customs
www.hmrc.gov.uk

HM Treasury
www.hm-treasury.gov.uk

Housing Corporation
www.housingcorp.gov.uk

National Giving Week
www.nationalgivingweek.org.uk

National Statistics
www.statistics.gov.uk

Neigbourhood Renewal Unit
www.communities.gov.uk/communities/

RDInfo is part of the National Institute for Health Research
www.rdinfo.org.uk

Social Exclusion Task Force
www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/social_exclusion_task_force

More links are available on the other sources page or at useful links.