Services Offered

how i can help you

Writing bids and proposals from project conception to submission

I’m highly experienced in writing successful trust and foundation applications, and public sector grant and tender bids. I will work with you to develop your case for support, and can advise on the development of your project plans, budgets, and evaluations.

I have specific experience in producing applications for:

A picture of Jo coaching a client through bid development
I worked with Cambridge City Council and the team at Cambridge Corn Exchange to develop a community heritage project celebrating the buildings’ 150th anniversary. This included the development of project plans, job descriptions, risk registers and budgets. Producing a successful application for funding (£100k) from National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Coaching and feedback to help you write winning bids and proposals

This service is ideal for organisations who don’t require a full bid writing service, but could benefit from some expert advice, feedback and support in developing winning proposals.

Prospect research

I support organisations through undertaking prospect research and analysis, primarily focusing on trusts and foundations and public sector grants. I can develop/update databases and prospect pipeline plans.

Strategy development and process planning

I specialise in supporting small and medium cultural and community organisations to assess and build business models and income generation approaches - working with teams, boards and wider stakeholders to develop practical and simple strategies.

I also work with organisations, particularly small teams, to help them establish income generation and business management processes and policies that work for them.

This is informed by my experience as a senior leader, trustee and consultant, along with training and academic learning (including a PGCERT in arts leadership at University of Leeds, Senior Fellowship for arts fundraising and philanthropy, and Measuring Social Value with SSE), and sector best practice, identified through research and peer learning.

A picture of Jo coaching a client through bid development
I have worked with Cheshire Dance to deliver strategy development, prospect research and pipeline plans; with key fundraising successes including a 5-year major partnership with The Westminster Foundation to fund their youth dance programme, and multiple health and arts grants for their Wanna Dance programme, with adults with PMLD.

Evaluation and Reporting

I support organisations in maintaining excellent donor care and in producing high quality and useful reports for funders. I have experience in reporting on projects and core work for a range of funders and stakeholders, including ACE, NLHF, and public sector partners.

Evaluation is an area I am really interested in and actively building my portfolio in. Including building and delivering evaluation frameworks to measure social value, participant and audience experience, partnerships and community impact. I also have experience evaluating organisational income generation and business models.

Fractional Head of Development

I have worked with organisations to provide on-going part-time Head of Development services. Supporting Directors and CEOs in strategy development and senior leadership for fundraising and income generation. Often including development and delivery of major bids and management of key strategic partnerships.

A picture of Jo coaching a client through bid development
As part time Head of Development for Manchester based CIC Reform Radio, I supported the organisation in becoming an ACE NPO, developing their income generation strategies to grow earned income, and securing public sector training contracts.

Applications for individual artists and creatives.

I have worked with artists, musicians and dancers to help them develop applications for ACE funding, artist bursaries and other funding grants. I also have experience working with Disabled artists as a Support Worker on ACE bids. Funding is available for this support through ACE's access scheme (to note, ACE funds access support, not a bid writing service). I also occasionally offer group workshops and funding clinic sessions. Get in touch to find out more.

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