Membership | Media Centre | ERS Scotland and Wales | Contact Us | About us
The Electoral Reform Society Challenge Fund
Supporting campaigns for better local democracy
Challenge Fund top tips
Share this article

Some helpful advice for completing your Challenge Fund application that can increase your chances of success

Top Tips

  • Check out your ideas with us before you apply. Before writing a full application it can be extremely useful to discuss your project idea with us to confirm that you meet our criteria. This will ensure that you don't waste your time applying with an idea that we will not be able to fund. You can contact us at ers@electoral-reform.org.uk or on 020 7928 1622
  • Read the application carefully. Make sure you answer the questions fully and that you have provided all the information required. This will save time during the assessment and will help to avoid disappointment.
  • Think like a funder. Be clear and concise in everything you write, and avoid jargon or flooding with too much additional information or material that we haven’t asked for. Above all be honest and realistic about what you will be able to acheive.
  • Keep a copy of your application to refer to. You will be surprised how often you will need to refer to it, both before a decision to approve funding has been made and afterwards, especially when you are completing your evaluation.


Other helpful resources


Ready to apply?

Apply online using our online application form

Email us. Download the application form and email to ers@electoral-reform.org.uk.



If you've been unable to find the information you're looking for about the Challenge Fund you can also email us at ers@electoral-reform.org.uk or call 020 7928 1622.
Recent News
22nd May 2013
£1.25: A small price to pay for a proper debate.
 Today we’ve welcomed news that BBC Scotland is to set aside an extra £5 million for dedicated coverage of the 2014 Independence Referendum.   We are now looking at a team of 50 tasked with providing coverage and encouraging debate at national and local level – and online.   Over 4 million registered voters will [...]
16th May 2013
Time to end the deadlock on party funding
Today a new bill lands in parliament today, courtesy of Labour’s Alan Whitehead, Lib Dem Lord Tyler and Conserative Andrew Tyrie.   It deserves attention – because it offers a sensible, cross party approach to party funding.   This bill puts pay to the myth that cross-party solution to party funding isn’t possible. Caps on [...]
14th May 2013
Would you back ‘None of the Above’?
Following the county council elections we’ve been hearing a lot about ‘None of the Above’.   The IPPR recently flagged None of the Above – or NOTA – as a part of their plan to boost youth turnout – making voting for under 24s compulsory, but ensuring there’s an option for first time voters to [...]