3 Top Tips for a Successful CIF Application: Overcoming the hurdles
Looking for tips on how to build a successful CIF application? Like with all Government schemes, there are a lot of hoops to jump through with writing this kind of bid. This being said, with the right guidance, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be successful in receiving this type of financial support.
Here at Munday + Cramer, we have helped hundreds of schools build comprehensive and successful applications through the years. As experts in procurement, architecture, surveying, and project management, we have an added level of knowledge when it comes to the level of work that is required and how much this will cost. What’s more, if you’re keen to keep things nice and simple, we can even help you carry out the work after you’ve been granted funding. Think of us as your one stop shop!
How to write a successful CIF application
Applying for CIF funding is notoriously hard, with lots of different steps to the application process. With changes being made to scoring with each new round, keeping up with the requirements can be tricky. It’s for this reason that many people prefer to outsource this task to a professional bid writing company like Munday + Cramer.
For those of you who are keen to get started with your bid, however, below are a couple of our top tips for achieving a successful application!
1. Be clear when evidencing
It’s highly likely that the person assessing your bid will have never visited your school prior to seeing your application. So that they can gather a deeper understanding of your requirements and the urgency of your project, be detailed when explaining what work it is that needs carrying out. It’s important to also note what impact your issues are having on teaching and learning.
Before submitting your bid for funding, it pays to have surveys and technical reports carried out by professionals. Additionally, make sure to add emphasis on the importance of being able to carry out the proposed works. These factors alone can really help your case and will boost your chances of a successful CIF application.
2. Include detailed costings
At the end of the day, the people assessing CIF applications have a budget just like you and I. With this in mind, it’s important they are able to gather a full understanding of what your project will cost.
Each expense should be sensible and justified and official quotes for the work should be included. Firms should also agree and commit to sticking within the tendered price if they are to be appointed. In the case of inadequate or missing quotes, lower marks will be awarded. For a successful CIF application, where possible, make sure to include costs below industry benchmarks.
3. Plan rigorously
Within your application, it’s important that you mention your proposed plan for delivery of the project. Answer questions such as:
- How is the project going to be carried out?
- When is the project going to be completed?
- Who will be assisting with the project?
It is also important that you discuss how you plan to minimise disruption to learning. For example, you might be planning on starting the project during the half-term. Make sure to also give mention to health and safety, what risks are involved, and how you plan to manage these. Each of these factors will improve your chances of a successful CIF application.
Contact Munday + Cramer
Keen to get the ball rolling with your bid for funding? There’s no time like the present! For support with building a successful CIF application, get in touch with our team today. You can call us on 01245 326 200 or to get in touch via email, send your message to info@mcessex.co.uk.