Fundraising and development services for arts, heritage and culture organisations in the UK. Expertise that supports you to grow, thrive and generate income.
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Your charity exists to make a positive difference. I can take the stress out of fundraising to help you identify your strengths, broaden your opportunities and achieve much more.
For over 25 years, I’ve helped transform creative, cultural and heritage charities and organisations by supporting the development of a focused strategy for fundraising and successful application writing. I can achieve the same results for you – giving your charity the resilience and funding it needs to thrive and flourish.
Raising funds
Raising your game
Raising funds
Raising your game
Here’s how I can elevate your charity’s fundraising strategy and help it achieve its objectives.
Understanding your charity
Understanding your charity
Through friendly conversation and fact finding, I draw out your charity's story and identify the right opportunities for progress.
Researching opportunities
Researching opportunities
Together, we explore the funding options, including trusts, foundations, Lottery, ACE, individual and corporate giving, donors and legacies.
Sharpening your strategy
Sharpening your strategy
With an understanding of your charity’s aspirations, I help you set both short-term and long-term funding priorities and goals.
Bid writing
Bid writing
Based on our insights and findings, I will write high-impact applications and proposals, giving your charity its best chance of securing funding.
Reviewing progress
Reviewing progress
Fundraising isn’t a one-hit process. I help you measure performance, refine your approach, and stay resilient into the future.
Training and mentoring
Training and mentoring
I can help build the skills you and your team need to grow your fundraising in-house for success in the longer term.
About me
About me
I’m Sophy Sylvester, a Sheffield-based charity professional who has helped many good causes secure funding, broaden their opportunities and increase their impact.
Through my work, I am proud to fundraise for projects that champion the power of the arts, culture, heritage and creativity to shape and improve lives. My passion, skills and experience can transform your income generation portfolio, leaving you free to deliver work that benefits your communities.
I’m motivated by working with those who share my vision to make a positive impact. I love to connect with people to get a true insight into what their charity needs. With a solid track record of winning funding, a consistent 50% success rate, and millions raised, I can help translate those aspirations into real results.
Some of my fundraising successes
£100k NLPG funding for a cultural festival at a heritage visitor attraction
£1 million for 3 years of ACE Creative People & Places
£600k capital funds to decarbonise a heritage building
£450k Arts Council Place Partnerships funding for Early Years work
£400k+ Paul Hamlyn Foundation funding for arts-based learning
£400k+ NLCF Reaching Communities funding for adult mental health
Good to know...
If you have any queries about my fundraising and consultancy services, I'm happy to chat them through. In the meantime, here are the answers to some of the questions I’m most often asked.
I’m not sure about the funding direction my charity needs to take. Can you guide me?
Absolutely! I can with help with much more than writing your funding application. I can also help you identify the best funding stream options for you, and create a strong pipeline and strategy for the future.
Do you deal with National Lottery Project Grants through the Arts Council England?
I look at all the available options, including trusts, foundations, Lottery, Arts Council, individual donors and corporate sponsors, and recommend which ones could work best for your organisation.
What kinds of funding sources do you apply to?
I look at all the available options, including trusts, foundations, individual donors and corporate sponsors, and recommend which ones could work best for your organisation.
Do you work independently or can you collaborate with our existing team?
I can fit into your charity in whatever way you need. I am experienced in running fundraising efforts singlehandedly but have also worked alongside other funders, as well as strategic, management and marketing teams.
How long does it take to write an application or proposal?
The earlier I know about your fundraising needs and the funder you want to apply to, the better. But don't hesitate to ask if you have a tight deadline or limited time.
I can talk to you to determine how long it's likely to take me to fulfil your needs. The more work you've already done on developing your project or idea, the less support you will need. Sometimes you might just need me to review what you've written, or I might need to write your application from scratch. Whatever you need, I will always try to accommodate your available budget by offering the most practical and relevant support.
Want to explore the possibilities?
Let's talk.
I recommend that we arrange an initial exploration conversation.
This allows us to establish your charity's fundraising needs - and helps you decide whether you'd like to bring me on board.
Pricing
Pricing
My standard day rate is £350 - £450, dependent on the complexity of the ask.
If you would like to work with me longer term, e.g. ongoing support for prospect research or developing and delivering your fundraising strategy, feel free to contact me to discuss the level of support you need within the budget you have available.
I am not VAT registered – accordingly, VAT is not chargeable on the fees stated.
Don't forget, paying for fundraising support does not mean you are guaranteed to receive funding!
Get in touch
Get in touch
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