I support organisations & creatives to fundraise through grant applications – from scoping out projects to writing the applications.
Writing your ‘bid’ for funding can be daunting – there’s often a lot of guidance to read, unfamiliar language and a list of resources and attachments you’re supposed to include. I help to cut through the noise of bid-writing, helping you identify what is needed to realise your aims and translate that into a meaningful and purposeful narrative.
I specialise in embedding evaluation and learning into applications – rooting the start of your funding journey in the practices of evaluation you will be expected to deliver at the end.
I most often support applications to heritage and arts funders (such as National Lottery Heritage Fund & Arts Council England), but I have experience supporting community funding bids to Council’s, and local Trusts and Foundations.
Budgeting & Time
It’s important that you contact the funder you want to apply to in plenty of time before you want to apply. Most medium to large schemes will have ‘officers’ or ‘managers’ that look after geographical areas or particular grant pots – these people are there to support your application process and a strong relationship with them will give you more confidence & greater access to guidance when needed.
The earlier I know about your project and the funder you want to apply to, the better! When you are up against a tight deadline or you need to apply unexpectedly, I understand how worrying that can be, so don’t be afraid to reach out – I know it doesn’t always go to plan.
Some funders have deadlines for grants as well as rolling bid application schemes. Be sure to check the scheme you are applying to and be realistic about the start date of your project. Funders will often tell you their ‘turn around’ time – the amount of time between you submitting your application and a decision – make sure you build this time into your planning.
My Fees
My day rate is £250.
You may want a few days guidance from me, or you may want me to work with you to construct your application. Feel free to contact me to discuss your application and we can work out the level of support you need within the budget you have.
It is important to understand that paying for fundraising support does not mean you are guaranteed to get your funding agreed. However, like most freelance fundraisers, I do not work on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis.
Useful Resources
The Chartered Institute of Fundraising as some wonderful free resources about grant funding and identifying other sources of support – CIF Resources
National Lottery Heritage Fund – If you are considering applying for an NLHF grant I’d advise you visit this page first to identify if your idea is in line with the organisations outcomes – NLHF Outcomes
If you are a first time Arts Council England applicant, I’d advise visiting this page of their website first as this give you a break down of the basics and provides some useful FAQs – New to ACE