Creative Futures South West CIC
Funding & Development Lead
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Creative Futures South West CIC is seeking a freelance Funding and Development Lead
Creative Futures South West CIC is seeking a freelance Funding and Development Lead to help build the funding foundations for a regional Further Education Creative Festival in autumn 2028.
We connect colleges, cultural organisations and creative industries across the South West, widening access to creative opportunities for young people aged 16–19. This commission forms part of our Arts Council England-funded development phase.
The commission
- Fee: £350 per day, with a total commission of £6,825 for 19.5 days.
- Period: December 2026 to July 2027.
- Location: Remote, with agreed South West travel where needed.
- Arrangement: Self-employed freelance contract, with flexible working dates agreed within term time.
You will work closely with our directors to develop a realistic funding strategy, identify suitable opportunities and turn our programme plans, partnerships and evidence into compelling applications.
Responsibilities
- Research and prioritise funding opportunities against eligibility, deadlines and project readiness.
- Develop and maintain a funding strategy and live application pipeline.
- Write persuasive bids and prepare robust budgets with the delivery leads.
- Strengthen our case for support and sponsorship proposition.
- Coordinate supporting evidence, partner commitments and cash and in-kind match.
- Prepare applications for Board approval, manage agreed submissions and respond to funder queries.
- Hand over complete application records and clear recommendations for the next phase.
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We are aiming for at least two major applications within the commission, subject to suitable funding rounds, project readiness and Board approval.
When the work is needed
The planned allocation follows our project cashflow:
- December 2026: 3 days.
- January 2027: 3 days.
- February 2027: 2 days.
- March 2027: 3 days.
- April 2027: 4 days.
- May 2027: 2 days.
- June 2027: 1 day.
- July 2027: 1.5 days, including final handover.
Early work will focus on strategy, funder engagement and priority proposals. March to May will be the main application development and submission period, followed by queries and handover in June and July.
The 19.5 days include meetings, research, writing, revisions and handover. Specific dates and any reallocation will be agreed in advance. Monthly payment is planned for work completed that month, with payment terms confirmed in the contract.
About you
You will bring successful bid-writing experience with Arts Council England or comparable public funders, trusts or foundations, alongside strong research, writing and budget development skills.
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You should understand restricted funding, eligible costs, match funding and grant payment schedules, and be comfortable prioritising work within a defined number of days.
Experience of arts and culture, further education, youth opportunities, corporate sponsorship or South West partnerships would be welcome.
This is an opportunity to help shape an emerging regional initiative, working collaboratively with a network of education and cultural partners. As a freelance commission, it does not include employee benefits. VAT treatment and any authorised expenses will be agreed before work starts.
How to apply
Please send a concise expression of interest, your CV or LinkedIn profile, and examples of relevant funding work or outcomes to hello@creativefuturessouthwest.co.uk, using Funding and Development Lead as the subject.
Please include your availability from December 2026 to July 2027.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a discussion. Appointment is subject to references and an agreed contract.
We welcome different professional, cultural and lived experiences. Please let us know about any adjustments that would help you participate in the recruitment process.
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