Key trends in public funding

Extensive internal and external research has helped us identify seven important trends in public funding:

Grant complexity is here to stay

There are a huge number of grant schemes (in the UK alone, there are over 7,000, including trusts). It’s a complex market, in which a wide variety of grant-giving organisations offer a variety of schemes, each with different requirements. What's more, the application procedures vary per scheme and often lack transparency.

“As an innovative SME we first tried to find our own way in the UK ‘grantscape’. But PNO proved to be true specialists – they were able to match our projects to schemes we’d never heard of.”

Chris Smith Inspecs Biofuels Ltd.

Qualification for grants is getting tougher

Because grant-giving organisations have limited budgets and ever-increasing numbers of applicants, the qualifying criteria are becoming more stringent. And, as the tender system is now the most prevalent approval system, only the highest-quality applications are approved.

"PNO Consultants have really helped us understand grant schemes. Thanks to their support, we've made a number of successful applications.”

Steve Whipp, Wastewater Asset Standards Manager, United Utilities plc.

Grant consultants have become trusted advisors

Today’s consultants are expected to be specialist trusted advisors, who transform ambitions and goals into ‘fundable’ projects – and who also secure payments. With a track record going back to 1984, we’ve established a reputation as experts and trusted advisors to a wide variety of organisations that see grants as an excellent way to leverage their projects.

"PNO do a lot more than fill out forms – they work with you to create opportunities."

Norma McDonald, Director, P&G Chemicals

Independence in grant consultancy is becoming more important

One result of the Sarbanes-Oxley legislation in the USA is that ‘captive’ grants consultancy (i.e. incorporating advice, management and auditing in the same firm) is now considered to be undesirable. Most of the ‘Big 4’ accountancy firms have therefore abandoned their grants consultancy services and two have now transferred these departments to PNO, who are completely independent.

On 1 July 2007, PNO acquired the EU Grants and Incentive department of Ernst & Young, based in the Netherlands, and in October 2008 we acquired Deloitte’s Grants & Incentives Division in the Netherlands and Belgium. Both accountancy firms took this step to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

“As a company traded on the NYSE, independence is very important to us. PNO proved to be the experts, guiding us through immensely complex situations.”

Neil Collin, Financial Manager, Sappi UK Ltd.

Being proactive increases your chances of success with grants

It’s hard to find projects that perfectly match specific grant schemes. That’s why it’s becoming increasingly important to be proactive about investigating future trends and schemes – for that’s the way to develop projects that meet grant criteria.

"By constantly informing us about changes in major grant areas and actively turning ideas into successful projects, PNO have not only helped us to become more competitive – they’ve helped our members, too."

Jackie Seddon, Chief Executive, Envirolink NW

Grants offer more than financial value alone

Although the main reason for obtaining grants is to strengthen projects financially, there are many other less tangible benefits, such as enhancing your corporate image and the opportunity to cooperate with top research institutes and innovative companies.

"One of our environmental projects received grant funding thanks to the guidance of PNO. Naturally this gave us additional financial support. But what was far more important to us was the prestige provided by the grant-giving organisation."

Stuart Pycroft, Chief Engineer, Heinz

The professional intermediary is now indispensable

Increasing complexity has made professional intermediaries who speak the language of all those involved indispensable.

“PNO have been highly successful where others failed. We would certainly recommend their services – not only for their evident expertise, but also for the energetic and passionate way they operate.”

Mike Goodwin, Project Manager Food Northwest

You might also be interested in: