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Working with a funding expert knowledgeable can be the key to success in securing financing. Find out what to pay attention to in order to increase your chances of winning!
Whether you already have experience or have never accessed non-repayable funding before, the process can be complicated and full of pitfalls if you do not have the right support. Collaborating with a funding expert can make the difference between success and failure. The process is extensive and involves careful planning, complex documentation, and compliance with a strict set of requirements. If you want the best possible results, it is essential to know what to look out for when choosing to work with such a specialist.
If you are here, it is already clear that you need an expert who can bring the experience and knowledge required to successfully navigate the stages of accessing European funds. This expert not only helps you identify suitable opportunities, but also helps you avoid common mistakes that can lead to the rejection of your application.
Not all European funds consultants have the same level or type of experience. Some consultants or consulting firms choose to specialize only in certain types of funding programs. Others, such as ILIGRA, accumulate diverse experience and can approach financing challenges from multiple angles. A portfolio can offer valuable clues about how broad the experience of a funding expert truly is.
It is also worth keeping in mind that certain newer or more innovative fields may not have benefited from dedicated funding in the past. As a result, you may not find your exact activity reflected in any consultant’s track record. It helps to clarify your objectives and funding needs from the outset. This way, you can determine whether you need a specialist in your field of activity or in a particular type of funding, such as human resources or investment funding. If your organization or your project ideas could fit into several current priority areas, a consulting firm with broader expertise and openness may be the right choice.
A professional consultant will be open and transparent from the very first discussion. They will clearly explain what services they offer and what costs are involved, as well as what you can realistically expect from the collaboration. It is essential to receive an honest assessment of your real chances of success in order to avoid unrealistic expectations.
A European funds professional who has navigated numerous challenges understands the obstacles you may face. They offer patience and support throughout the entire process, helping you overcome frustrations and uncertainties as they arise. Even when everything seems overly complex or discouraging, such an expert can provide the confidence and motivation you need to continue.
Moreover, once a working method has been agreed upon, they should proactively present relevant funding opportunities. Even if you do not have the patience to read every detail, you should always know the official name of the funding line, the source of funding, and the institution managing the program. The official website where information about the call can be accessed should never be a secret - these details are public. For example, the website of the European Commission can help you understand the EU funding programmes.
Even if it may be difficult to find consultants with direct experience in your exact field of activity, it is a significant advantage if they have solid experience in implementing non-repayable funded projects in general. The more complex the projects a funding expert has worked on, the more likely they are to have encountered situations that can help you better plan your own project.
The stages of drafting and implementing a project are distinct, but they should not be disconnected. It is essential that the application drafting phase takes into account the realities of implementation. Very often, what looks good on paper cannot be fully translated into practice. This is a common trap many entrepreneurs fall into after securing funding.
Each project is unique, and a good funding expert knows how to adapt their approach to your specific needs and circumstances. Avoid consultants who offer generic solutions without first understanding and analyzing your situation. Personalized services significantly increase both the chances of obtaining funding and the likelihood of successful project implementation. For this reason, it is important that you and your team are prepared and actively involved in the necessary work.
A strong consulting firm offers tailored solutions and is willing to adjust its approach according to your specific needs. A funding expert who has the ability to quickly adapt to changes - whether legislative, program-related, or internal - is a major advantage. Personalized services may include training for your team in managing funds, implementation support, periodic monitoring, or audit assistance. See here the services we have prepared at ILIGRA with a funding expert to support you.
Choose a consultant who looks beyond merely obtaining a single grant and instead contributes to the sustainable development and long-term success of your organization or business. Such an expert should help you identify new funding opportunities and guide you toward those that support your long-term plans. A European funding expert will pay attention to risks and threats and will not shy away from telling you uncomfortable truths - for example, that your idea may score too low to realistically receive funding.
A funding expert working alone may offer direct attention and fast communication, but can be limited in covering all technical and bureaucratic details. By contrast, a specialist who is part of a team - even a small one - benefits from support across multiple components. This team-based approach reduces the risk of errors, provides stability, and offers a more comprehensive perspective on the project.
Both consultants and clients naturally aim for the highest possible success rate. At the same time, it is realistic to acknowledge that a declared 100% success rate is only possible in very rare cases. How could a firm or consultant achieve such a rate?
As national and EU funding programs become increasingly competitive, such claims are difficult to believe. Still, there are some explanations. Either the consultant submitted very few applications - resulting in a high success rate - or they applied only to programs where scoring criteria could be clearly anticipated from the outset. If they selected only clients who already met maximum or near-maximum scores, a 100% success rate might be possible.
Much more realistic, however, is the scenario where failures have also occurred. These may arise from various causes:
At ILIGRA, we have developed solutions for most situations that lead to reduced scores. Choose “Identified funding line” in the consultancy price calculator with a funding expert and see which optional services can help you submit only applications with the highest chances of success.
Working with a funding expert can turn your goal of securing non-repayable funding into a successful project. By choosing an experienced professional, you avoid costly mistakes and maximize your chances of approval. Regardless of your current stage, the support of a funding expert is a long-term strategic advantage. Invest in choosing the right partner, and you will build a collaboration that delivers tangible results.
