{"id":698,"date":"2025-01-17T16:03:40","date_gmt":"2025-01-17T16:03:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/?p=698"},"modified":"2025-11-07T20:23:41","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T20:23:41","slug":"tips-and-tricks-for-community-organisations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/2025\/01\/17\/tips-and-tricks-for-community-organisations\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips and tricks for Community Organisations using Match My Project"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"704\" src=\"http:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Tips-and-tricks-1024x704.png\" alt=\"Tips and tricks for community organisations\" class=\"wp-image-710\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Tips-and-tricks-1024x704.png 1024w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Tips-and-tricks-300x206.png 300w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Tips-and-tricks-768x528.png 768w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Tips-and-tricks-1536x1056.png 1536w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Tips-and-tricks-1568x1078.png 1568w, https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Tips-and-tricks.png 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some things to think about when posting projects and using Match My Project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>When signing up for an account, DO&#8230;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\">Sign up with <strong>accurate information<\/strong> about your organisation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\">Wait for an <strong>email<\/strong> to access your account, once the contracting authority has accepted your registration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\">Remember to look and check at whether there are <strong>supplier offers that you can match to<\/strong>, which will help your project without having to make a request<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>When posting a project, DO&#8230;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong>Include information that is relevant<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\">Be specific about the impact your project will make \u2013 the social, environmental or economic benefit to customers, communities or society.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\">Remember that there are other <strong>resources<\/strong> available for projects from our suppliers, including time, materials, advice, training and jobs. This isn&#8217;t just about funding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\">Upload a <strong>breakdown<\/strong> when asking for funding \u2013 with quotes where possible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\">Ensure your project has a <strong>very clear title and description<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\">Highlight whether communities and residents are already engaged in the project<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\">Highlight if projects are <strong>time sensitive<\/strong>. Then upload with as much notice as possible to increase the likelihood of a match. For example, if you have a Christmas activity, then try to post the project by the end of October&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong>Remember that the \u201cideal value\u201d of a project is between \u00a31,000 to \u00a33,000. <\/strong>Larger projects have been matched, but this is rare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\">Be aware that larger requests are less likely to be matched. So, can they be <strong>broken down <\/strong>into smaller separate projects and uploaded in stages?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\">Remember that your project will appear in the <strong>Directory<\/strong> for businesses to view<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong>Get ready to receive offers <\/strong>from businesses to complete your projects and <strong>respond promptly<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong>Contact the business about your requirements before accepting the offer <\/strong>to ensure you\u2019re both aligned (e.g. do you need to see copies of Insurance? Names of staff working on a project? Key contact details?). Make sure that you\u2019re happy to go ahead with them as a project partner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\">Ensure that each party agrees and understands its responsibilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\">Accept the offer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>During project matching, DO&#8230;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\">Get started with the project once you\u2019ve accepted an offer from a business. Reach out to them via the contact details provided<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\">Make sure you <strong>keep track of the hours, donations and resources<\/strong> that the business is donating during the project. Verify this information with the business as well<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong>Share feedback<\/strong> once the project has completed. You will be able to see your feedback from the business once you\u2019ve given them feedback<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\">Keep track<strong> <\/strong>of your progress using your dashboard<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:25px\">&#8230;<strong>DON&#8217;T<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\">Post a project if you don\u2019t have the relevant permissions or can\u2019t provide evidence for it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:20px\">Apply if you think it\u2019s purely a way to save on budgets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>Additional things to consider<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:19px\">Have you thought about other means of support for your project?&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:19px\">Empower other community groups by encouraging them to register and post their own projects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:19px\">Please note that there is <strong>no guarantee of a match<\/strong> on the platform and we don\u2019t have unlimited resources from suppliers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:19px\">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<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:19px\">Please note that support and resources are limited. All requests will be assessed, but unfortunately making a request doesn&#8217;t guarantee a match<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:35px\"><strong>Top Tips based on Feedback from Businesses using MMP<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:9px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>Make your project title specific and clear!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:20px\"><em><strong>Scenario 1 (Example taken directly from supplier)<\/strong><\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A community organisation is requesting mobile devices, computers and tablets<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DON\u2019T put your project title as:<\/strong> \u201cRequest for mobile devices, computers and tablets for volunteers\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DO put your title as :<\/strong> \u201c10 tablets for volunteers\u201d (this is more specific)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Scenario 2<\/strong><\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A community organisation is requesting books for students<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DON\u2019T put your project title as:<\/strong> \u201cReading books for [Community Organisation]\u2019s student reading programme\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DO put your title as:<\/strong> \u201c15 reading books for students\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reason:<\/strong> The title of the project provides the supplier with a clear understanding of the request from the outset, which can increase the attraction to the request. This is how you win the supplier over, so be specific and concise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:9px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>Upload a breakdown when asking for funding!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are asking for an item, for example a printer or desk, then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DO:<\/strong> include the make and model of the item you need<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DO:<\/strong> include a quote where possible or link to the item<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DON\u2019T:<\/strong> leave this information out<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reasons:<\/strong> Suppliers need to know the financial impact of the request and what exactly the money is being used for.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This ensures that there is no confusion regarding what the community organisation requires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:9px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>Break down projects into smaller projects!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If the financial impact of the project is high, break it down into separate projects with each having a financial request of no more than \u00a32,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using <em>Scenario 1<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DON\u2019T write:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mobile devices, laptops and tablets needed for Volunteers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>10 mobile devices, 10 laptops and 10 tablets needed for volunteers across Cambridgeshire to enable them to connect with others and take notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DO write:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Project 1<\/strong>: <strong>10 mobile devices&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To provide 10 volunteers across Cambridgeshire with a mobile device to enable them to connect with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Project 2<\/strong>: <strong>10 laptops<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To provide 10 volunteers across Cambridgeshire with a laptop to enable them to take notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Project 3<\/strong>: <strong>10 tablets<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To provide 10 volunteers across Cambridgeshire with a digital tablet to enable them to create documents.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reasons:<\/strong> Breaking down the project will give you a greater chance of being matched as the average value of projects that get matched across the platform is \u00a31,100.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More than one supplier can then meet your individual request as opposed to rejecting the request because the financial impact is too great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:9px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>Where possible and if your cash flow allows it, consider paying for the project and invoicing for reimbursement.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>How this looks practically: If a supplier accepts a project, consider paying for that project then sending the invoice to the supplier to receive reimbursement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reason:<\/strong> Once committed to a project suppliers will likely deliver, however, the nuances around your request may be better served by you. Where this is the case, this approach will benefit both parties.&nbsp; <strong>Please ensure that you have this documented and agreed prior to the start of the project.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>And finally, one more tip from us<\/strong>:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:9px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:20px\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Provide as much information as possible, especially the cost, to get better results!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:30px\"><strong>Explore more<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-72dc0f38294599942565184167404f97\">\ud83d\ude80 <a href=\"https:\/\/gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2F2f34d19e.streaklinks.com%2FCH9lSO6aWu0jjGkgxQJUfD1H%2Fhttps%253A%252F%252Fjournal.matchmyproject.org%252Findex.php%252F2024%252F05%252F14%252Ftop-5-tips-for-community-based-organisations-to-maximise-social-value-through-match-my-project%252F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Ctamara%40hackneygiving.org.uk%7Ccdfa296a03304c80259408dcd734814a%7Cb212d00daa4c47259f00f3bc305a8e55%7C0%7C0%7C638621867727630244%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=0rX%2FtnLxXuSICfSrANDXurPizV87s%2Fb4nLnvyASt0EU%3D&amp;reserved=0\">Top 5 Tips for Community-Based Organisations to Maximise Social Value through Match My Project<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bf36ca198dd4cc3c7c3f872cbc6a071f\">\ud83c\udf1f <a href=\"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/2025\/02\/17\/this-community-organisation-has-completed-36-on-match-my-project\/\">How one community organisation completed 36 projects on Match My Project<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-574e63e273ceefb38da81b7bfe6e4880\">\ud83c\udfac <a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/859395473\/ed40320689\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">An Introduction to Match My Project for Community Organisations<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here are some things to think about when posting projects and using Match My Project. When signing up for an account, DO&#8230; When posting a project, DO&#8230; During project matching, DO&#8230; &#8230;DON&#8217;T Additional things to consider Top Tips based on Feedback from Businesses using MMP Scenario 1 (Example taken directly from supplier): A community organisation [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":715,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28,44],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-698","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guidance","category-community","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/698"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=698"}],"version-history":[{"count":50,"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/698\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1863,"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/698\/revisions\/1863"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/715"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=698"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=698"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/journal.matchmyproject.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=698"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}