> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.giftcollective.nz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.giftcollective.nz/raising-money/applying-for-grants.md).

# Applying for grants

Applying for grants with Gift Collective as your fundholder can be a bit different than applying for grants on your own. We don't write your grant applications, but we do need to be involved in the process.

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Applying for grants or signing a grant agreement without our prior authorisation is a violation of our [Terms](https://giftcollective.nz/terms), and may result in your Collective being de-hosted.
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Applying for a grant from a funder for your Collective is a four-step process:

1. Either through your own research, or through a tool like [Fundsorter](https://www.fundsorter.com/), identify the funder you wish to apply to.
2. Get in touch with your funder, before you apply, to check a couple of details:
   * Make sure they're happy to work with a fundholder or 'umbrella organisation'.
   * Ask them if they'd prefer the application to come directly from you (as the group doing the mahi), or if they'd want us to submit it on your behalf (as the legal entity).
3. Write your draft application, and [send it to us](mailto:contact@giftcollective.nz) for review **before you apply**, so we can make sure that you're representing the relationship between Gift Collective and your Collective correctly, and so we can credit the grant to your balance if it's approved. If your funder wants us to submit the application on your behalf, we'll do it at this point. Please give us at least a week to review your application before the due date.
4. Keep us in the loop - let us know if you're successful, and if there's anything we need to sign.

## Receiving grants

If your application is accepted, here's some things to note:

* Let us know as soon as possible, as we will need to see and/or sign the funding agreement.
* If your funder needs an invoice, *do not* create one yourself - let us know and we'll create one for you.
* Tell your funder that remittance notices and payment notifications should be sent to <contact@giftcollective.nz> - if they send them to you directly, forward them to us.

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We can't credit a grant to your Collective's balance unless we have proof from your funder that the grant payment is for your Collective.
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Once we receive the funds, and can prove that the grant payment is for your Collective, we'll credit the funds to your Collective's balance.

## Refunding unspent grant money

If you underspend on a grant, or are unable to follow through with what's promised in a grant application for any reason, we can refund the money directly to the funder. Please note in these situations we will still take our 8% deduction off the initial grant. This means that if the funder requires the grant paid back in full, you'll need to cover that 8% cost.