Have you been wondering about applying for funding for your creative idea, but aren’t sure where to start?
Maybe you don’t know if your project ‘ticks the funder’s boxes’?
Can’t find the time or energy to get your application written?
Perhaps you have applied for funding before and been unsuccessful?
Funding Mentor support will help you to…
- Gain bid writing skills and knowledge through regular Review and Feedback from an experienced fundraiser.
- Turn your ideas into fundable projects that feel ambitious and achievable.
- Understand funding speak so you can tick boxes without losing your sparkle.
- Take the mystery out of building a budget.
- Answer any questions along the way.
Develop fundraising skills and confidence, and take the next steps on your creative journey
I started offering a 1:1 Funding Mentor service to enable creatives to be able to write their own bids and secure funding for their creative plans. My aim is to help you to submit a top quality application by working closely with me, a fundraiser, coach and mentor, and arts event manager with over 20 years experience. It’s hard work, but you’ll develop fundraising confidence, skills and knowledge and we always have a laugh!
From our initial meeting to the day you press SUBMIT on your best possible application, I will help you to design a project which feels 100% you. My goal is to help you to take the next step on your creative journey whilst also ticking the funder’s boxes!
I’ll share templates, tools and tips to help you write your application and (most importantly) get funding support, and recognition for what you do!
What’s included in Funding Mentor Support?
Funding Mentor 1-2-1 Sessions
During each Review I read and provide detailed feedback on your application and then we have an hour together on Zoom to make sure you’re on track, answer any questions and shape your idea.
Funding Application Templates
Downloadable application and budget templates including application questions and prompts are ready for you to download when you want to get started.
Checklists, Funder Guidance and Example Applications
All the Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund and Community Fund criteria and guidance docs in one place.
Extra tools, audios and downloads
If there’s anything you need let me know and I’ll see what I can do to give you the support you need.
What’s not included?
Whilst I’ll be there with you all the way as your Funding Mentor and will do everything I can to ensure you write a fabulous application, I won’t be writing your application for you. If this is what you need, then you are probably looking for a bid writer.
I can recommend funding bid writers, just drop me an email.
Working with a Funding Mentor, you need to be ready to commit your own time, energy and commitment to get stuck in, work out plans and do the work to shape your project and application.
A bit about me…
I’m Manda, I’ve raised over £2 million for arts, heritage and community projects and mentored 100s of artists and creative companies across all artforms to submit successful applications to make their ideas happen.
As an experienced producer and fundraiser with over 23 years working in the UK arts sector in various senior roles in public, private and voluntary sector organisations, I know how to make projects work.
I’ve been supporting creatives as a Relational Dynamics 1st coach and mentor for 3 years. I use a range of powerful coaching techniques and exercises in Funding Mentor sessions to help you get clear about your goals and build projects that feel exciting and inspiring.
Do you think
Funding Mentor 1:1 Support
might be work for you?
There are a few options. If you’re not sure what to go for, arrange a, no obligation, 20 minute chat with me. You can tell me where you’ve got to and I can make a suggestion.
Developing Your Creative Practice Mini Support Package
- DYCP “getting started” toolkit
- 2 x 1 hour reviews
- 2 x 0.5 hour feedback sessions
- Application template and examples
- 2 follow-up application support emails
Developing Your Creative Practice Full Support Package
- DYCP “getting started” toolkit
- 3 x 1 hour reviews
- + 3 x 1 hour feedback sessions
- Application template and examples
- Up to 2 months of email support
National Lottery Project Grants Full Support Package
- Project Grants “getting started” toolkit
- 4 x 1 hour reviews
- + 4 x 1 hour feedback sessions
- Application template and examples
- Up to 6 months of email support
“The idea for my own DYCP project has been swirling around for at least a year. Funding Club gave me a deadline, focus, expert advice pertinent to me, a timetable to follow, up-to-date information regarding ACE protocol and changes. I liked that I wasn’t swimming the English Channel alone, you were a lifeguard! You stepped in when required and sort of nudged me gently, and I never felt panicked or pushed.”
Jeanette McCulloch
Mixed Media Artist
“At first I found the task of tackling my grant application overwhelming. Manda helped me break it down, making each section far more manageable. She filled me in with information that seemed very abstract to me, then applied some editing at the end to strengthen the piece. Overall, Manda encourages you to write in one’s own style and words, providing invaluable support along the way.”
Jonathan Goldberg
Artist & Photographer
“Manda helped enable just under £50,000 to come in to the company, Arts Uplift CIC, from ACE for Suitcase Stories 2, a reminiscence and music project for adults living with dementia and their carers, by supporting a funding application to them. Working with you was all good (just gave me lots of work to do! Lol) I would recommend you and would love to work with you again.”
Jenny Davis
Director
Arts Uplift CIC
osition / Title
Do you have questions about Access Support?
I have worked with creatives with a various access needs with support from Arts Council England’s Access Support Fund. I’m always happy to chat, get in touch to discuss how I can support you.
If you’re applying for funding and have access support requirements (including being dyslexic or dyspraxic), there are a number of ways the Arts Council can help you. Visit Arts Council England’s Access Support information page for details.
Not sure? Let’s Talk
If you’d like to chat through your best options, book in for a no obligation 20 minute chat with me