It might be that your activity needs some money to get it moving- maybe cash for posters or to hire a mini-bus. Whatever it is there are organisations called grant-making trusts, who exist to dole out funds to good causes. Your good cause is as worthy as any other, but first you have to convince them.

Target the right trusts. There are lots of different trusts out there, both local and national. Most have specific focuses. So if your cause involves the environment you need to find trusts who are interested in green issues, if it‘s a health issue approach a trust interested in welfare, and so on.

Work out how much it is you need. If you need a tenner or something then you could apply to a small trust, but anything over £200 then you should look to bigger trusts for assistance.

Write to the trust requesting their application pack. With the application material you will probably also receive information explaining how to fill it out. Be prepared to...

• clearly outline what your cause is
• exactly how much money you need
• how you intend to spent it

There is competition for the limited funds that the trusts have available, so, without being over-the-top, try to make your application stand-out and impress the trust‘s decision-makers.

Give you application plenty of time because it may take the trust a while to process it.

If your application is successful remember to write a letter of thanks to the trust, and keep them updated on your progress.

They will probably send you a cheque, which means you will need to set up a bank account.