How to apply

**The final application deadline for the Be informed! Fund was 30 June 2008. The scheme is now closed to new applicants.**

This section is for organisations interested in applying to the Be informed! sustainable funding visit scheme. You will find an application form, guidelines and a step-by-step guide for applicants.

Download application form
Download guidelines
Download WCVA Equal opportunities monitoring form

How does it work?

Step One - Find a host
Before you read the guidelines and complete the application form, make sure you have the host's agreement that a visit can take place. You will need to provide written agreement from the host organisation consenting to your visit. Remember, the host organisation should have experience of developing a sustainable funding approach.

If you are unable to identify a suitable host, please contact WCVA's helpdesk or your local county voluntary council who maybe able to identify an example of best practice for you.

Step Two - Complete an application form
Download the application form. Please read the guidelines and notes for applicants before completing your application. All applications must be submitted before 5pm on Monday 30 June 2008.

Step Three - Decision
A decision concerning your application will be made by Friday 15 August 2008. If you have been successful, please confirm within two weeks that you still want to go on the visit by contacting WCVA's Helpdesk on 0800 2888 329 or email help@wcva.org.uk. This is important, as we can offer your funding to another organisation if you have changed your mind.

Step Four - Go on the visit
No visits should take place until after you have received notification that your application has been successful.

Step Five - Tell us how you got on
After the visit, we ask that you prepare a brief report outlining what you learnt from the experience and what you hope to take forward in the next few months. This is a very important part of Be informed! as it helps you think about your visit and how to apply the lessons learnt. We also publish the report on our website so that other third sector organisations can benefit from your experience.

Step Six - Keep in touch
After six months, we may contact you to find out how your plans are going to develop a sustainable funding approach.