Here below is a list of some useful links to help you get started on your arts fundraising journey. These links will signpost you to a number of organisations who may be able to support your project, give helpfull fundraising advice and practical tips.
Posted: 10/08/2026
Category: Fundraising
FUNDRAISING RESOURCE DIRECTORY
GETTING FUNDRAISING READY
Help Sheet – Getting Your Governance Right*
This document outlines six common structures: Constituted Associations, Charitable Companies Limited by Guarantee (CLG), Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIO), Community Interest Companies (CIC), Community Benefit Societies (CBS) and Co-operatives Society (Co-Op).
it also signposts local business and organisational support available through BIPC Lewisham and GCDA.
Help Sheet – Setting Up a Co-operative*
NCVO – excellent guidance on setting up an organisation and different structures
Developing a Fundraising Strategy*
These slides were created in 2024 (the meeting was hosted by LEAN & Chole Booth). The Fundraising strategy includes the steps of ‘Identifying the type of strategy you need’, ‘Setting your goals’, and ’Consider which sources you want to prioritise’.
Help Sheet – Developing a Fundraising Strategy*
These slides were created in 2025 (the meeting was hosted by LEAN & Chole Booth & Hayley Murphy, The Albany). Similar to above with some additions.
Help Sheet – How to Communicate Useful Data*
This guide explains how organisations can share data effectively with different audiences. It suggests deciding what information to communicate, why it matters, which channel to use, when to share it and who is responsible. Funders need evidence of impact, staff need information to improve services, and trustees need data to support strategic decisions.
Help Sheet – Diversifying your Organisation’s Income*
This guide recommends small organisation reviewing current income, past experience, organisational strengths and the wider external environment. And then compare the advantages and disadvantages of different funding streams (e.g. grants, public donation and fundraising event), prioritise suitable options, and turn them into a long-term plan with clear goals.
Help Sheet – Earned Income
How to Create an Ethical Fundraising Policy
This guide is made by Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy, explaining how arts and charitable organisation can develop an ethical fundraising policy. It provides a step-by-step process for identifying risks, consulting stakeholders, drafting and implementing the policy, and reviewing it regularly. The policy should help organisations balance funding needs with their mission, reputation, artistic autonomy and core values.
This guide introduces the key steps arts organisations should take before beginning fundraising. It highlights that organisations should develop a fundraising strategy, a strong case for support and a targeted list of potential funders. The guide focuses mainly on trusts and foundations, while also covering individual giving and corporate sponsorship.
WHERE TO FIND FUNDING
Help Sheet – Comparison of Online Funding Database*
Most online funding databases are expensive for shared access. Physical Books are cheaper and can build a reusable resource library, while GrantsOnline may be the most affordable digital option if several organisations share a multi-user subscription.
Help Sheet – Fundraising for Creative Projects in Schools*
This details funding search tools, trusts, and foundations for supporting creative projects and activities in UK schools.
Charity Excellence – free charity grant finder
Grants Online – comprehensive list of open grant funds for arts, culture and heritage organisations.
My Funding Central – a comprehensive database of grant and contract funding in England
GrantNav – a tool that helps you find, sort, and download information about where grant funding goes, how much is given, and which causes and areas
Fundin – Uses AI and expert support to help organisations find funding and manage grant applications more easily.
WRITING FUNDING APPLICATIONS
Help Sheet – Writing project grant applications*
This is a checklist which helps organisations prepare strong project grant applications. It covers from the project’s objectives, context, the people involved, target participants, intended outcomes to the methods of evaluation. It also prompts applicants to develop a realistic timeline, clarify responsibilities, prepare a full project budget, identify funding sources and assess potential risks.
White Pube – Successful Funding Application Library – a resource of successful funding applications that you can learn from.
ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND
Funding programmes you can apply to
Project Grants and Developing your Creative Practice
