Creative Funding for the Future
Meet the funders: Jenny, Matt, Claire, Will, Rob and Rachel.
On 9th October 2025 in Bilston, community groups, arts organisations and creatives from across the Black Country gathered for a special event ‘Creative Funding for the Future’
This was a collaboration between Creative Black Country, Gazebo Theatre in Education (our lovely hosts) and Wolverhampton Cultural Education Partnership to bring creative people together with funders to share current and upcoming opportunities. Fundraising can be a lonely business - we wanted people to know they are not alone.
Matthew Simmonds from ArtsGrantGuru kicked us off with an inspiring and thought-provoking talk about AI (a theme throughout) and the work he is doing to support arts applications
Rachel Farrer spoke about Createch and creative technology opportunities - why it matters now, how to get involved and think differently.
Jenny Whately from Heart of England Community Foundation shared their programmes and great tips for applying as well as explaining why funders need certain information.
Rob Jones gave a very practical guide to Awards for All and how creatives and groups can reframe projects to be successful
Claire Marshall and Will Southworth from Arts Council completed our presentations sharing info and top tips for applying for Project Grants and navigating the new system
After a break for samosas and (the all important) cake, providing a chance for everyone to chat and connect, our speakers hosted 1-2-1 chats for people to talk through their individual ideas and projects. Everyone came out smiling, one person saying it was ‘invaluable’. Knowing that actual people are on the other side of the application form and process.
Along with so many golden nuggets of info and advice, we know these type of events are important to keep our local creative sector feeling connected, informed, inspired and confident to fundraise to secure their future.
For further information on fundraising please head to our dedicated page here.
Words: Yvonne Gregory / Images: Lee Allen