A Beginner’s Guide to Funding Applications

If you’re an early-career creative, getting your first bit of funding can feel impossible. You’ve got the ideas, the passion, and potentially some experience behind you from school, university, or other training. But now you’re ready to take the next step and need some financial support to do it.

This guide is here to help you understand where to look for small grants, how to write about your work confidently, and how to make your first funding application feel achievable rather than overwhelming.

What Is Creative Funding and Who Is It For?

Funding is money given to help creative people make or develop their work. It’s not a loan — you don’t have to pay it back — but you do need to show how you’ll use it and what it will achieve.

Small grants (usually under £1,000) are designed to help early-career artists get started. They might cover:

• Materials or equipment
• Studio space or rehearsal costs
• Fees to pay yourself or collaborators
• Workshops or community activities
• Travel to attend training, exhibitions, or residencies

You don’t need to have a long CV or previous grant success. Funders want to support potential, creativity, and enthusiasm as much as experience.

Types of Grants

There are more opportunities out there than you might think. Funding within the creative sector is usually split into one of the below categories:

Community Benefit – Creative projects that support the wider development of people and communities primarily, e.g. an art workshop which encourages confidence in participants. These are funds where the outcomes of participants are prioritised over the physical work created, and they are often run at a grassroots level within the local community.

Creation of Works – Focussed on funding the creation of new material and/or outputs; e.g. a new theatre production, piece of music, or wardrobe of clothing. These will usually cover your time, materials, and ‘overheads’ (the cost of keeping the lights on). Some funds may require a specific sharing of the work created (e.g. an exhibition, album release).

Personal Development – These are funds which support the development of creative people, rather than the creation of new art. This could include opportunities to go and see work locally, meet other people working in a similar area, travel internationally to learn from other cultures, or just take time to think.

Entrepreneurship/Business Startup – These are funds designed to support you to setup a business in your chosen field, with a view to that business turning a profit. In some cases, these are limited to social enterprises (businesses which work for the benefit of the community).

Some funds are only open to registered charities, some accept applications from Commmunity Interest Companies, and others will accept applications from indviduals. Make sure you are eligible for funding from an organisation before taking the time to apply.

Where to Find Small Grants in the UK

There are a number of grants and funding sources, but these can sometimes be hard to find. Search the internet for funding in your chosen discipline or local area, and more nationally, and make a note of application deadlines or previous projects organisations have funded. There are a number of grant guides available online, such as from The Kings’ Trust, Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance, Creative Lives, and many more places.

You could also look at what projects have run that are similar to yours, and where these obtained their funding (often printed somewhere or listed on a website).

Telling Your Story in an Application

A funding application is simply a way of telling someone why your idea matters and what difference it will make. You don’t need fancy language; just honesty, clarity, and enthusiasm.

Here’s how to approach it:

• Start with why: What sparked this idea? Why does it matter to you, and why now?
• Be clear about what you’ll do: Describe your project in as much detail as possible. What will happen, where, and when? Don’t be afraid of bullet points where appropriate.
• Explain the impact: What do you hope will come from it? Maybe you’ll reach new audiences, learn a new skill, or bring people together through creativity.
• Share your story: Funders like to know who they’re supporting. Talk briefly about your background, what inspires you, and what this opportunity would mean for you.

Try writing your answers as if you’re explaining your project to a friend who doesn’t know much about your work; don’t assume any prior knowledge about the project or who you are. Once you’ve done that, tidy it up and make it sound professional, but don’t lose your personal voice.

Using AI

Be cautious when using AI to write an application. The use of AI in writing can be obvious, and it can limit your application’s ability to stand out against the competition. AI can help with condensing ideas or proofreading, but don’t use it to write the actual application. Make sure it stays authentic and unique to you, rather than generic-sounding. And make sure that everything that you submit is accurate; AI can sometimes get it wrong or hallucinate data and information.

Using Evidence and Data (Without Getting Overwhelmed)

You don’t need lots of statistics for small grants, but it helps to show that you’ve thought things through to include some.

You should include:

• How many people you expect to reach or work with
• Any feedback or interest you’ve already had (for example, people saying they’d come to an event or take part in workshops)
• Local facts or figures that show there’s a need for what you’re doing (for example, a lack of creative opportunities for young people in your area)
• A simple budget that shows what the money will be spent on

A clear, realistic budget is one of the most important parts. Funders want to see that you’ve planned carefully and that your project is achievable.

Tips for Your First Application

Here are some practical tips that can make a big difference:

• Read the guidelines carefully before you start. Each funder is slightly different. Make sure that your application is actaully eligible.
• Keep it short and focused. For small grants, funders don’t expect long proposals.
• Be specific. “I want to create a short film about local history” is clearer than “I want to make creative work about identity.”
• Show what success looks like. What will you have achieved by the end of the project?
• Ask for help. Many funders will review a draft or answer questions before you apply.
• Don’t be put off by rejection. Even experienced artists get turned down sometimes. Each application is a learning experience.

Building Confidence for the Future

Your first funding application might take time, but it gets easier with practice. Keep notes of what you’ve applied for, the feedback you get, and what you’d change next time.

Small grants can be a stepping stone towards bigger opportunities. They show funders that you can manage money, deliver a project, and reflect on what you’ve learned. Over time, this builds trust and opens more doors.

Remember: funders aren’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for creative people with good ideas who want to make something meaningful happen. That could be you.

Final Thoughts

Applying for funding for the first time can feel daunting, but it’s also exciting. It’s a chance to get your ideas out of your head and into the world.

Start small, be honest about what you need, and don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way. Every successful project (even the big ones) started somewhere.

You’ve already done the hardest part by creating something worth sharing. Now it’s about giving yourself the chance to make it happen.

How to Connect With the People Who Have Your Dream Job

Networking has always been one of the most powerful tools for career growth, but today it doesn’t require conferences or in-person meetups. Thanks to LinkedIn, you can connect with people all over the world, learn directly from their experiences, and start building relationships that could shape your future. These tips could also be applied to DMing somebody on social media, emailing them, or networking face to face though.

If you’re dreaming of breaking into a new field or taking the next step in your current one, virtual networking can help open doors. Here’s how to do it in a way that feels real and approachable.

1. Start With Your Goals

Before you reach out to anyone, get clear on what you’re hoping to learn. Ask yourself:

• What career path excites me most right now?
• Do I want to understand the day-to-day of a role, the skills I need, or how people usually get started?
• Am I looking for advice, mentorship, or just to meet others in the field?

Knowing this will help guide your conversations.

2. Write Down Your Questions

Make a list of 20 questions you’d love to ask someone in your dream job. These could be things like:

• What does a typical day look like in your role?
• What skills or certifications helped you the most?
• How did you land your first opportunity in the field?
• What’s the biggest challenge in your job?
• What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

Then, instead of sending all 20 to one person, pick one question and send it to one or two people at a time. This makes it easier for them to reply and helps you start more conversations.

3. Polish Your LinkedIn Profile

Your profile is your digital first impression. Add a clear photo, write a headline that reflects where you want to go, and update your “About” section with a few sentences about your interests and goals. Even if you don’t have direct experience yet, highlight projects, classes, or skills that show your interest in the field.

Think about this: if someone looks at your profile after you connect, will they understand what excites you and where you want to go?

4. Introduce Yourself the Right Way

When you reach out, be clear and keep it short. Say who you are, why you’re reaching out, and what you’re hoping to learn. LinkedIn only gives you 300 characters in a connection request, so you don’t have space for your life story.

Example LinkedIn Messages

Connection Request:
“Hi [Name], I’m exploring a career in [field] and admire your path. I’d love to connect and ask you a quick question about how you got started.”

Follow-Up Message (after they accept):
“Thanks for connecting, [Name]. I’m curious about your journey into [role/field]. Would you be open to answering a quick question: What helped you most when you first started in this field?”

5. Decide What to Ask For

Once you’ve connected, you have two good options. You can ask a quick question in writing, or you can ask for a short Zoom call or coffee chat.

If you’re just starting out, it’s usually best to start small. Send a single question first. If the person responds and seems open, you can follow up later with something like:

“Thanks so much for your reply, it was really helpful. If you have 15 minutes sometime, I’d love to jump on Zoom or grab a coffee (if you’re local) to hear more about your career journey. Totally understand if your schedule is too busy.”

6. Focus on Building Relationships

Networking isn’t about collecting contacts. It’s about building real relationships. After an initial chat, you can keep in touch by thanking them for their time, sharing an article they might find interesting, or commenting thoughtfully on their LinkedIn posts.

Stay-in-Touch Example:
“Hi [Name], I really appreciated your advice about [topic]. I came across this article on [related subject] and thought you might enjoy it. Thanks again for your time, it’s been super helpful.”

Small gestures like this keep the relationship warm without feeling forced, and can lead to future opportunities, advice, or even job recommendations/suggestions.

7. Remember to Give Back

Even if you’re new to your career, you still have something to offer. Maybe it’s sharing your perspective as someone just starting out, recommending tools or resources you’ve found, or even introducing someone from your own network. The best networking is a two-way street.

8. Be Consistent and Patient

A strong network takes time. Try setting a goal to reach out to two or three people a week and engage on LinkedIn regularly. Relationships build slowly, so don’t get discouraged if not everyone replies right away.

Final Thoughts

Virtual networking can feel awkward at first, but it gets easier with practice. Most professionals remember what it was like to be in your shoes and will be glad to share their story. Approach it with curiosity and authenticity, and over time you’ll build a network that helps you grow into your dream career.

Find more LinkedIn and Virtual Networking tips here: Virtual Networking: A Beginner’s Guide (Creative Access)