How we work

Whatever service or support we are providing to a client, we approach each project with the same simple “4 step” process.

Step 1:

The start of our relationship

Before any work begins, we would start by further understanding your charities values, current funding streams, governance structure, services, culture, challenges, objectives and vision. 

By seeing the world the way you do, then examining it, we can work to your agenda using our knowledge of current funders and funding opportunities as well as commissioners’ expectations and requirements. 

This ‘profiling’ process typically takes two days and once the process is complete, we are able to begin working for you on a strong footing. Therein you gain the advantage of our competitive insight coupled with our expertise in creating new and innovative propositions for (funding) your services, whether existing or new.

Step 2:

Research

We thoroughly research funding opportunities to best suit your organisational needs, both short and long term. These routinely include statutory sources such as CCGs and Councils as well as Trusts, Foundations, philanthropic sources and corporate options.

Having worked in the sector for over 15 years, we have relationships with many established grant giving organisations whom we can call upon for input and advice when necessary. 

This research process is an on-going component of our service to you and may well include providing you with options for funding you have never before considered.

Step 3:

Matching your needs to the right funders

Whatever your funding requirements are, we will work with you to create ideas with tailored bids and tenders to suit both your service user needs and funders’ expectations. 

We will provide you with on-going feedback and creative input. 

Our ability to create a successful and effective relationship with you makes us successful. Our bespoke approach to bid writing demands specialist knowledge. We are able to work flexibly with you on any ideas, because of the unique skill set of our team members.

Step 4:

Success through teamwork

Several skilled people make up the bid writing team at Competitive Solutions so once a project idea has been agreed with you, it will be scrutinised and strengthened by different members of the team. 

Collaboratively, different team members will write the bid or tender; read it; re-write it; edit it. This would be the draft sent out to you for review. 

Once your feedback is gained, we work on a further, final draft for you to agree and approve.