Meet the Funder

Join us for our upcoming Meet the Funder event, a fantastic opportunity for voluntary and community organisations across Wiltshire to connect directly with funders, gain valuable insights, and strengthen their funding approach.

Hear from leading funders, including:

• Arts Council England
• Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation
• Wiltshire and Swindon Sport
• The National Benevolent Charity
• Community First Landfill Grants
• The National Lottery Community Fund
• Wiltshire Council Area Boards
• Sovereign Network Group (SNG)

Whether you are new to fundraising or looking to strengthen existing funding relationships, this event offers a valuable opportunity to learn, connect and grow.

The event if FREE to attend but spaces are limited and booking essential. To ensure as many organisations as possible can benefit, we ask that no more than two representatives attend from each organisation.

This event is intended for charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, CICs and other not-for-profit organisations operating in Wiltshire and Swindon.

Hosted by Wessex Community Action and Wiltshire and Swindon Funders Network.

What to Expect

Funder Marketplace: Meet funders in an informal setting and ask general questions about their funding programmes, priorities and application processes.

One-to-One Conversations: Book dedicated time with funders to discuss your organisation, project ideas and funding opportunities.

Interactive Workshops: Build your knowledge, skills and confidence through practical fundraising and organisational development sessions.

Venue Information

The venue is fully accessible.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available throughout the day. Attendees are kindly asked to bring their own lunch. There are plenty of cafes, and food outlets within walking distance.

Nearby Parking

Station Road Car Park
SN10 1BZ
Pay and Display | All day parking available

The Wharf Car Park
SN10 1ED
Pay and Display | All day parking available

Agenda

About the Funders

Attendees can book a 15-minute one-to-one conversation with participating funders on arrival. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Arts Council England

Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. It supports arts, museums and libraries, helping communities across England to access high-quality creative and cultural opportunities while funding a wide range of projects and organisations.

Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation

Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation is an independent grant-making charity dedicated to strengthening local communities and tackling disadvantage across Wiltshire and Swindon. The Foundation provides grants and support to grassroots voluntary organisations, helping them respond to local needs and improve people's lives.

Wiltshire and Swindon Sport

Wiltshire and Swindon Sport works to improve health and wellbeing through physical activity and sport. The organisation supports community groups, clubs and charities to develop projects that encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to become more active, helping to create healthier and more connected communities.

The National Benevolent Charity

The National Benevolent Charity provides grants to organisations working to relieve poverty and financial hardship. Its funding programmes support charities that help people build financial resilience, strengthen families, access education and training, and address the causes and effects of disadvantage.

Community First Landfill Grants

Community First administers landfill funding programmes that support community and environmental projects across Wiltshire. Grants can help improve community facilities, create or enhance green spaces, conserve local heritage and deliver projects that provide lasting benefits for local communities.

The National Lottery Community Fund

The National Lottery Community Fund is the UK's largest community funder, distributing money raised by National Lottery players to projects that strengthen communities and improve lives. It supports a wide range of activities, from grassroots community initiatives and environmental projects to programmes that promote health, inclusion and wellbeing.

Wiltshire Council Area Boards

Wiltshire Council Area Boards provide funding for community-led projects that address local priorities and improve the quality of life for residents. Grants can support a broad range of activities including community participation, young people, health and wellbeing, environmental initiatives and local events, helping communities turn ideas into action.

Sovereign Network Group (SNG)

Sovereign Network Group is one of the UK's largest housing associations and is committed to supporting thriving communities through a range of funding and grant programmes. Through community investment funding, SNG supports local charities, voluntary organisations and community groups to deliver projects that improve wellbeing, reduce disadvantage and create stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.

About the Workshops

Please indicate your preferred morning and afternoon workshop when booking.

Fundraisers' Coffee Morning

10.30am - 12.00pm

Join fellow fundraisers for an informal networking session. Share your successes and challenges, exchange ideas and good practice, and learn from others who are navigating the ever-changing funding landscape.

Developing a Fundraising Strategy

10.30am - 12.00pm

Join us for a practical and interactive session designed to help your organisation develop a clear and sustainable fundraising strategy. Explore different income streams, identify fundraising opportunities, and learn how to create a plan that supports your organisation's long-term goals. Connect with others, share experiences, and leave with ideas you can put into practice.

Are You Fit for Funding?

1.00pm - 2.00pm

This practical and informative workshop will explore what funders expect organisations to have in place before applying for funding. From governing documents and policies to impact measurement and financial planning, you'll learn the key elements of being "funding ready".

Participants will have the opportunity to work through a practical Organisational Development Plan to identify strengths, highlight areas for improvement and create an action plan for future development.

Funding for communities to take action on the environment and nature - The National Lottery Community Fund

1.00pm - 2.00pm

Members of the National Lottery Community Fund’s South West regional team will hold a session exploring their current funding opportunities that support community led environment and nature action.

The session will cover:

• The Environment Mission – one of the four missions in our Strategy: It Starts with Community. Communities are environmentally sustainable | The National Lottery Community Fund
• Funding opportunities – from small grants (£300–£20,000) to larger grants of £20,001+ lasting up to five years.
• Examples of funded projects – showcasing the types of initiatives we support.
• Q&A with our funding team.

Please contact stacey.sims@wxca.org if you have any queries or questions aboutthis event.