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At this stage of the process, those applications that clearly do not meet the charity’s criteria may be rejected and a letter sent to the applicant explaining why the application has not been considered further. Also at this stage, it is appropriate to write to those applicants that appear to meet the criteria set but which have either not completed the form fully or given all the information needed. While waiting for the further details, their applications may be held in a pending le.
IS FURTHER DUE DILIGENCE REQUIRED?
Other than for extremely small grants, it is unlikely that an award of a grant will be made after only an initial assessment. Further due diligence will be required although the exact amount needed will depend on the funds being applied for, the project seeking funding and the complexity of the funding requested. Examples of the types of due diligence that may be needed before a decision can be made include:
Researching the applicant. This may take various forms such as a detailed review of the applicant’s website and other information available
publicly – including information held by both the Charity Commission and Companies House (if the applicant is a company). It may also include carrying out various internet searches for information about the applicant
Reviewing the applicant’s accounts and the documentation provided to support the project. In some cases, the charity’s trustees may need to involve others such as their accountant or nance team
Specialist advice may need to be sought– this may be the case, for example, if the applicant seeking funding is overseas or involves a complex construction project where the advice of someone with property expertise may be helpful
Taking up references – in writing but with a follow up telephone call if this were felt to be helpful
Interviewing the applicant
Visiting the project and meeting those involved
Recording and summarising the results of all the due diligence
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