Top tips for making a great application
1. Seek support
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If someone else in your institution has had experience in submitting a successful application before, then ask your peers for guidance. Make sure you do all you can to submit the best application for your project. If you need help and don't know anyone, then ask us and we can help find you a mentor.
2. Plan ahead
Make sure that you allow yourself plenty of time to both consider and develop your entry. Consider the awards criteria when planning your project. Set clear objectives from the outset, taking baseline measurements so that you can evaluate the positive impact of the project afterwards.
Make sure that you send in your application form in plenty of time – don’t leave it until the last minute in case of any last-minute IT issues. Check the deadlines and note the dates now.
3. Preparation
Make sure you read the entry criteria for each category and the conditions of entry before you start to complete your application. You need to ensure you are submitting your project to the best fit category.
4. Learn from previous winners
Take a look at previous winning, highly commended and finalist entries. Take your time to go through them to see what they did and their top three learnings from their projects.
Please note we'll be adding case studies of highly commended and finalists to our website in due course. Look out for these coming soon.
5. Think about your audience
When completing your application, remember that this is your opportunity to shine. The judges will read through hundreds of entries, and therefore you need to make sure that your entry stands out. Imagine you are one of the judges and think through what you would want and need to read to be able to judge an entry. Do not assume everyone knows your acronyms - please write them out in full.
6. Keep it simple
Focus on what the category criteria is looking for as this is what the judges will be looking for. Make sure your application is succinct, clear and easy to understand. Whilst AI tools can help, do not solely rely on these as judges want to hear real stories.
7. Provide data
Judges want detail and evidence - provide facts and figures to illustrate the impact and benefits. Demonstrate how you have achieved clear benefits to the institution, its employees, its stakeholders and community. Provide compelling before and after data. Statistical evidence is one of the most important factors in successful submissions.
8. Shout loud and clear about your achievements
Don’t be shy, make sure that your entry highlights the sense of pride you have in the things you have achieved. Prove you're the best! Always back up your claims with evidence, especially proof of innovation, positive impact on stakeholders, return on investment, strategic success, outperforming the sector, stakeholder focus, leadership and social responsibility.
9. Learn from the experience
If you don’t win at the first attempt, learn from the process and try again next time. The judges provide constructive feedback on how to strengthen your application for the future. This will help you improve and increase your chances of winning in the future.
10. Contact us for support
If you still need some guidance or are unsure about your application or where to begin, then please contact us. We are here to help, and we want to encourage as many of you as possible to apply for a Green Gown Award - contact us at greengown@eauc.org.uk
Good luck with your entry!
