3 tips for drafting a request for support
1. Personalise your request for support
Your application for support must fit in with the Foundation's philosophy and its actions. In order to be eligible, your request must fulfil certain criteria that are specific to the ENGIE Foundation (see: Criteria). Adapt your document accordingly. It would be a shame if your application was rejected simply for 'administrative reasons’.
Extra tip: only send your application once you are sure that you have fulfilled the Foundation’s requirements. Make sure that you have met the Foundation’s selection criteria. Responding to a call for projects is a good opportunity to see things in a broader perspective and to assess the way in which your organisation works.
The Foundation's website explains the expectations and conditions you must fulfil in order to obtain support. It is also important that each project is realistic and feasible given the time, budget and the available resources.
2. Focus on the presentation and structure of your application
Complete your application online and closely follow the instructions which are given on the pre-filled form.
This framework allows the jury to work objectively and efficiently, particularly when dozens of applications are received simultaneously.
Your application must contain all of the useful elements which will enable the assessors to gain a clear overview of the nature and impact of the proposed project and also make direct contact with the project leader to gain further information.
Your application must be complete and to the point. What information is vital?
- An introduction to the organisation, to the project’s coordinator and also any mentors within ENGIE. Aim: emphasising the credibility of the project and the persons who support it.
- A description of the project. How has it come about? What are its goals and perspectives? What makes it stand out? Explain the essence and offer valid explanations.
- An overview of your promotional channels. Have you planned any communication campaigns? Set these out in more detail. Is the project supported by a well-known ambassador? The Foundation must be able to gain visibility in return for its support.
- An estimate of the budget. Be transparent. Mention the amount that is needed to realise your organisation’s project. Be precise about costs and income. Do you have other subsidies? Which part of your project would you like to finance? Your application must be realistic. Show that you are not putting all your eggs in one basket. Make sure that accounts are available to the Foundation if it needs to see them.
- An outline of the intended partnership and the consequences thereof. Are you looking for an exclusive, one-off sponsor? A partnership for resources (transport, materials, etc.)? How do things stand with the financial backer? Logo, presence, cooperation with events? Can this backer mention you in internal and/or external communications?
3. When setting out details, describe the human impact, the sentiment
In your document, prioritise the project’s emotional, human aspects.
A moving, sensitive, personal application will always have a greater impact than a factual description. But don't get overly sentimental! Explain your connection with the project and explain the impact this project will have on solidarity, humanity and/or society.
Don't hesitate to add documents, statements and/or press articles which set out the impact of your project in a social context.
If you have any further questions, please contact us via email: cr-belgium@engie.com. An employee from the Corporate Responsibility Benelux department will answer you as quickly as possible.