Here are some things to think about when posting projects and using Match My Project.

When signing up for an account, DO…

Sign up with accurate information about your organisation

Wait for an email to access your account, once the contracting authority has accepted your registration.

Remember to look and check at whether there are supplier offers that you can match to, which will help your project without having to make a request.

When posting a project, DO…

Include information that is relevant to the project, for example, does it require a DBS check if working on site? If the building is leased, do you have relevant permissions to undertake any work? etc.

Think about if your project adds a social, environmental or economic benefit to our customers, communities or society.

Remember that there are other resources available for projects from our suppliers, including time, materials, advice, training and jobs. This isn’t just about funding.

Upload a breakdown when asking for funding – with quotes where possible

Ensure your project has a very clear title and description.

Highlight whether communities and residents are already engaged in the project

Highlight if projects are time sensitive. Please then upload with as much notice as possible to increase the likelihood of a match. For example, if you have a Christmas activity, then post the project by the end of October 

Remember that the “ideal value” of a project is between £1,000 to £3,000. Larger projects have been matched, but this is rare.

Be aware that larger requests are less likely to be matched. So, can they be broken down into smaller separate requests and uploaded in stages?

Remember that your project will appear in the ‘Directory’ for Businesses to view.

Get ready to receive offers from businesses to complete your projects and respond promptly.

Contact the business about your requirements before accepting the offer to ensure you’re both aligned (do you need to see copies of Insurance? Names of staff working on a project? Key contact details? Etc). Make sure that you’re happy to go ahead with them as a project partner. 

Ensure that each party agrees and understands its responsibilities.

Accept the offer.

During project matching, DO…

Get started with the project once you’ve accepted an offer from a business. Reach out to them via the contact details provided.

Make sure you keep track of the hours, donations and resources that the business is donating during the project. Verify this information with the business as well.

Share feedback once the project has completed. You will be able to see your feedback from the business once you’ve given them feedback.

Keep track of your progress using your dashboard.

…DON’T

Post a project if you don’t have the relevant permissions or can’t provide evidence for it

Apply if you think it’s purely a way to save on budgets

Additional things to consider

Have you thought about other means of support for your project? 

Empower other community groups by encouraging them to register and post their own projects.

Please note that there is no guarantee of a match on the platform and we don’t have unlimited resources from suppliers.

Once a project is complete, please upload your feedback onto the platform to ensure verification of the project can take place and other groups can see what parties are like to work with.

Please note that support and resources are limited. All requests will be assessed, but unfortunately making a request doesn’t guarantee a match.