Turning Core Costs into Fundable Projects: Why It Matters (and How to Start)
At Money Tree Fundraising, we talk to charities every day who are delivering life-changing work—but struggling to secure funding for the very things that make that work possible.
Core costs
Overheads
Admin
Infrastructure
Whatever you call them, these are the backbone of your organisation. And yet, they’re also some of the hardest things to fund.
It’s a challenge we hear time and time again—from hospices trying to fund essential clinical staff, to small charities seeking support with rent, IT, or leadership roles.
The problem? Funders often don’t connect emotionally—or practically—with a line item labelled "core costs."
But here’s the good news: with a few smart shifts in framing and language, you can turn these vital costs into fundable, impact-driven projects that funders want to back.
Why Core Costs Get Overlooked
Many funders are looking for tangible, visible impact. They want to know their money will make a real difference. When they see the word “admin” or “overheads,” they often see a black hole—not a life changed.
But the truth is, your core costs can support your impact.
Without the right infrastructure, people, and systems in place, none of the front-line delivery is possible.
So, the challenge isn’t that your core costs aren’t fundable—it’s that they need to be repositioned.
How to Start Turning Core Costs into Fundable Projects
We go into this in detail in our on-demand webinars, but here are three quick tips to get you started:
1. Shift from Expenses to Outcomes
Instead of saying:
“We need £30,000 for staff salaries.”
Try:
“With £30,000, we can deliver mental health support to 150 young people over the next year.”
This simple shift puts the impact front and centre.
2. Use Funders’ Language
“Core costs” can feel dry and distant. But terms like “infrastructure,” “capacity building,” or “scaling impact” feel more strategic—and often resonate better with funders.
3. Tell a Story
Funders connect with people, not spreadsheets. So, if you’re funding something like bereavement support, don’t just say what you do—tell the story of someone you’ve helped. Make it real.
Why This Matters Now
With competition for funding fiercer than ever, charities can’t afford to leave their core costs off the table—or write them in a way that funders skip over. Reframing these costs isn’t about being clever—it’s about being clear, strategic, and confident in the impact your entire organisation delivers.
Make your applications more compelling
Our free Proposal Matrix helps you build a stronger case for any project — including the ones that feel hard to frame. Download it free.