Freelance Fundraiser / Development Consultant

As a company, our HQ is in Bristol, but we work across the UK and internationally. We make performances and create projects rooted in the South Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam. We challenge systemic inequities, prioritise racial justice and decolonisation and advocate for greater representation, equity and inclusion.

You will help us build our financial resilience through targeted approaches, articulate our mission and expand our existing case for support portfolio (place based solidarity arts participation, talent development/emerging artists and new jobs growth) into full written proposals. You will have a successful track record in scoping opportunities, relationship building and application writing with a specialism in trusts and foundations.

SPD has three strong cases for support for existing projects that we would like to develop; we have detailed independent evaluation, clear evidence of impact and partner desire to continue.

We would expect you to:
– Get to know the SPD team, understand our values, dig into our ethical framework, align with our polycrisis priorities and digest our 2028-2033 strategic plan

– Identify five trusts and foundations (not including Jerwood, Esmee or Paul Hamlyn) who accept bids of £50,000+ and/or multi-year organisation support that align with our case for support portfolio and that we can submit to by the end of December 2026

– Write one full application of at least £50,000 to a trust and foundation with support of the Executive Director and Chief Operations Consultant

– Outline the skeleton of a second bid that the Executive Director (Rae Lee) and Chief Operations Consultant (Ian Abbott) could finish off and submit.

FEE: £3200 (£400 per day x 8) inclusive of VAT + 6% commission on all successful bids over £50,000.