Fundraising, Grant Writing & Arts Administration

I offer expert grants fundraising, bid writing and arts administration support to artists, organisations and charities working across the cultural, heritage and community sectors.

With over 20 years’ experience across the arts, public sector and Higher Education, I bring a rare combination of hands-on creative production, senior management expertise and in-depth knowledge of funding systems.

Strategic Funding & Bid Writing

I have a strong track record of securing funding from a wide range of sources, including Arts Council England, trusts and foundations, local authorities, and some corporate donors.

Since 2020, I have secured over £460,000 in competitive funding on a part-time basis, supporting my own projects, charities and individual artists.

I don’t just write applications — I help shape ideas into fundable, compelling projects that align with funder priorities and clearly demonstrate impact.

I can support you with:

  • Developing strong fundable project ideas

  • Writing and editing funding applications and bids

  • Arts Council England (DYCP, Project Grants etc.)

  • Trusts & Foundations applications

  • Proposals for corporate sponsorship / individual giving

  • Budget development and project planning

  • Evaluation frameworks and reporting

PAST & CURRENT clients include:

Kent Wildlife Trust · Southwell Music Festival · London Contemporary Voices · Folkestone Pride · Nottingham Youth Orchestra · Trans Voices Young Company · many individual artists and producers

Deep Insight into Funding Systems

My approach is grounded in first-hand experience of how funding decisions are made.

I began my career as an Awards Officer at the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC), working with assessment panels and managing grants. I went on to spend over a decade in research management roles, culminating in my position as Head of Research Office at University of Roehampton.

This experience means I understand both sides of the process — what funders are really looking for, and how to position your work to succeed.

From Application to Delivery

Unlike many fundraisers, I don’t just write bids — I also deliver projects on the ground.

As a creative producer, festival manager and arts leader, I have:

  • Produced large-scale, publicly funded arts programmes

  • Managed budgets over £200,000+

  • Worked with artists, communities and partners across the UK

  • Delivered projects funded by Arts Council England, Creative Scotland, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and more

I am for your application to be:

  • Realistic and deliverable

  • Credible to funders

  • Built around genuine outcomes and impact

Access Support (ACE & Creative Scotland)

I am a registered Access Support Worker with Arts Council England and Creative Scotland, and can provide tailored support for applicants eligible for access funding.

This can include:

  • Breaking down the application process

  • Helping to structure applications

  • Supporting communication and planning

  • Adapting working methods to suit your needs

Arts Administration & Project Support

Alongside fundraising, I offer high-level administrative and project management support.

My background includes over 10 years in senior administrative roles in the university sector, alongside extensive freelance and leadership experience in the arts.

I have extensive experience working with:

  • Boards of Trustees and senior leadership

  • Committees, panels and funding bodies

  • Multi-partner and cross-sector projects

Communications, Marketing & Impact

Strong applications and successful projects rely on clear, compelling storytelling.

I bring extensive experience in:

  • Writing impact reports and case studies

  • Developing communications strategies

  • Building websites and digital platforms

  • Social media and audience development

  • Producing marketing materials and campaigns

I have grown audiences from scratch and delivered communications for festivals, charities and national-scale projects, combining creative storytelling with evidence-based impact reporting.

Get in Touch

Whether you need help shaping an idea, writing a bid, or delivering a funded project, I can support you at any stage.

📧 rochard.creative@gmail.com

Let’s talk about how we can bring your project to life — and secure the funding to make it happen.