I've sent out loads of letters to various charities and trusts asking for financial assistance. I've had a few replies, mostly no's it has to be said, but a couple were hopeful so fingers crossed.
My dilemma is, for those that I haven't had a reply from, do I leave it or is it a good idea to follow up with a phonecall? And if so, what do I say that doesn't make me sound desperate (even though I am...)??
Thanks!

Ju, do those charities and trusts have deadlines? If so, you can phone up two weeks after the deadline. If not, no harm in phoning up saying " I don't mean to chase, but could you pls let me know whether my application has been received?"

JU,

Where did you get the names for these charities and trusts, can you please send them to me or point me in the right direction. I want to do a PhD in a social science/political science context.

Thanks

I used the Charity Commission website: www.charity-commission.gov.uk
I did several searches to find charities that I thought might be sympathetic to my subject and/or continuing education. I don't want to put you off, but I've yet to get a positive response and have had to look elsewhere for my fees.