Separate the application from the claim
An application may need a project budget and funding plan. A later claim may require a cost schedule and evidence of expenditure. Explain which stage you have reached and provide the scheme’s current instructions. Eligibility, allowable costs and required reports differ between funders.
Connect the project budget to cash
Identify spending by activity and period, the assumptions behind staff and supplier costs and the timing of grant receipts. Check whether the business must fund expenditure before reimbursement and whether match funding is needed. A funded total does not necessarily remove a cash gap during delivery.
Keep the evidence trail usable
Give each cost a reference connecting the budget line, invoice or payroll record, payment and claim schedule where required. Record changes and the funder’s approvals. A consistent evidence trail makes questions easier to answer; it does not itself establish that a cost is eligible.
Read the report wording before appointing anyone
Some funders require an assurance opinion or a report from a practitioner with particular qualifications. Others may accept specified procedures and factual findings. The words audit, certification and accountant’s report should be clarified with the funder. An AUP engagement cannot replace a required assurance opinion.
A grant preparation checklist
| Prepare | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Scheme guidance and offer letter | Defines the project, conditions and reporting request |
| Project budget and assumptions | Explains how costs were estimated |
| Cash timing and match funding | Shows when the business must provide funds |
| Claim schedule and evidence index | Connects claimed spending to records |
| Required report and deadline | Allows practitioner suitability and scope to be assessed |
Discuss financial preparation with Consult EFC before sending confidential documents. Funding decisions and scheme eligibility are not guaranteed.