Libraries are a good source of information with lots of free books about funding, where to get it and how to apply.
You can also use computers for free in libraries to search for funding on the GRANTnet website.
Recommended books to help you apply for funding
Most of these titles are reference books for use in the library only. You can just drop in and start using them straightaway. Click the book titles to find out which libraries have them.
'Directory of grant making trusts 2010/11' by Tom Traynor
Grant-making trusts are a major source of funding for UK charitable activity. This guide provides a comprehensive directory for fundraisers, with information on the largest 2,500 trusts and foundations in the UK that give grants to organisations.
21st edition, April 2010
ISBN 9781906294342
Provides an unique overview of funding from local, regional and national government as well as European sources.
3rd edition, January 2010
ISBN 9781906294380
'Environment funding guide' by Denise Lillya
Fully revised and updated, provides invaluable and practical information on sources of funding for environmental groups.
4th edition, January 2010
ISBN 9781906294373
Sources of non-statutory help for people in education up to first degree level needing financial aid. It details over 1,400 grantmaking trusts giving over £60 million in educational grants.
11th edition, April 2011
ISBN 9781906294472
Covers more than 900 trusts that concentrate their grantmaking in the south of England, making annual awards totalling more than £80 million. It also provides descriptions of trusts' grant-making policies and practices.
6th edition, April 2008
ISBN 9781906294038
'Guide to grants for individuals in need 2011/12' by Catriona Chronnell
Wide range of funds and other support available for the relief of individual poverty and hardship. Key reference book for advice and social workers, as well as individuals themselves and those concerned for their welfare.
12th edition, April 2011
ISBN 9781906294489
Details of around 100 newly-registered grant-making trusts. Trusts are analysed for their grant-making policies and practices, contact details, and areas that they will not consider.
1st edition, May 2011
ISBN 9781906294526
'The guide to the major trusts' by Tom Traynor and Catriona Chronnell
Examines the top UK trusts, which between them give millions per year to charitable projects. Each entry contains both independent and critical comment and includes details on how to apply.
12th edition, March 2010
ISBN 9781906294410
Examines more than 1,00 of the top UK trusts, which between them give millions per year to charitable projects. Includes details on how to apply.
12th edition, January 2010
ISBN 9781906294427
Vital information for all voluntary and community organisations seeking to raise money or win support from companies. It covers over 500 companies, who between them gave almost £300 million to voluntary organisations.
8th edition, February 2011
ISBN 9781906294496
Identifies who funds what and why, and provides tips on making confident grant applications. Also included are several illustrative examples of funding applications that have been successful.
3rd edition, May 2009
ISBN 9781906294281
Practical handbook tailored to help anyone – novice or experienced fundraiser – raise cash for youth projects.
3rd edition, May 2009
ISBN 9781906294298
'Arts funding guide' by Susan Forrester and David Lloyd
Comprehensive index by art form and by groups of users (such as youth, disabled, elderly). Includes sections on the National Lottery, Arts Councils, Regional Arts Boards, European funding and more.
6th edition, April 2002
ISBN 9781903991107
East Sussex County Council