Grants offer a powerful way to secure funding without the burden of repayment—but success depends on knowing where to look and how to apply.
In this 90 minute session, we’ll start with the fundamentals: what grant funding is, why it exists, and the different types available. You’ll learn how to identify the right opportunities, assess eligibility, and avoid common pitfalls.
We’ll then dive into the key elements of crafting a compelling proposal, managing grant-funded projects effectively, and applying best practices for long-term success. Whether you’re new to grants or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will give you the tools and confidence to succeed.
Finally, we will explore how funding fits into the wider journey of building a sustainable, purpose-led organisation. We will explain how funding options change as organisations grow, and why the right type of money at the right stage is critical to long-term stability. The session will also highlight how legal structure, governance, and the way surpluses are used can influence eligibility for different types of funding. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how to think strategically about funding, so it supports sustainability rather than creating dependency or financial risk.
What we will cover:
- Purpose of Grants & Definitions
- Identifying Grant Opportunities
- Writing a Winning Grant Proposal
- Managing Grant-Funded Projects
- Tips and Best Practices for Success
- Understanding Funding as a Journey, not a One-Off Event
- Matching Funding Types to Your Organisation’s Stage of Development
- How Legal Structure and Governance Affect Funding Eligibility
- When Social Investment and Other Forms of Finance Become Appropriate
About the Presenters
Chris Cotter is the owner of Jola Associates, a consultancy that supports businesses, charities, CICs and purpose-led community organisations to strengthen their sustainability through a clearer understanding of social value, funding and impact. With over twenty years’ experience, he works with organisations to align their purpose, structure and income strategy so they can make confident, informed decisions about their future.
Chris specialises in helping purpose led organisations understand what different funders and investors are looking for, and how to position themselves for sustainability without compromising their values. He brings a practical, experienced perspective grounded in long-term work with community and mission-driven organisations.
Jackie George is an experienced, highly skilled bid writer and project manager who has helped secure £25+ million in investment for organisations across all sectors, primarily in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. With 25 years of experience, Jackie brings expertise in funding, project development and management and turning ideas into investable opportunities.
Jackie describes herself as a “jigsaw maker”, bringing all the individual pieces together to deliver the bigger picture. She’ll be sharing practical insights to help organisations better understand and access grant finance.
If you cannot make the live time, you can still sign up and we will send you a recording of the session.