Thursday, 4th June

11:00-11:45

Improve your funding strategy with expert insights

Who it’s for:

  • Local authority teams involved in funding, community regeneration and neighbourhood services.
  • Charity and VCSE leaders.
  • Anyone looking to strengthen their funding approach and access new opportunities.

What we’ll cover:

  • Insights from funders on what strong applications look like.
  • Approaches to grantmaking and engaging major donors.
  • How the funding landscape is evolving and what it means for collaborative bids.
  • How tools like GrantFinder can support your funding strategy.

Overview:

Join us for a focused 45-minute session exploring practical funding strategies and emerging opportunities in 2026.

Hear directly from experts at the National Lottery, a Local Authority, and a leading national children’s charity as they share what drives successful bids. Combining funder perspectives with real-world grantmaking experience, this session will give you a clear view of the evolving funding landscape.

You’ll leave with practical insights, proven approaches, and ideas you can apply immediately to strengthen applications and uncover new opportunities.

Agenda:

11:00-11:05: Welcome and introduction – Zoe Wood, Content Business Lead, Idox
Over 20 years’ experience across fundraising and government, leading insight into today’s funding landscape.

11:05-11:15: Funder insights – Jaymie Tapsell, Funding Officer, The National Lottery Community Fund
A Funding Officer from the National Lottery Community Fund sharing insight into current funding priorities and what makes strong applications stand out.

11:15-11:25: Grantmaking and major donors – Catherine Foster, Head of Grants and Major Donors, Caudwell Children
From a leading national children’s charity, sharing what attracts funders and how to strengthen your case for support.

11:25-11:35: Funding landscape and collaborative bids – Howard Collins, Bid Writer, Runnymede Borough Council
A local authority bids expert who has secured millions in funding, sharing practical bid writing techniques and partnership approaches.

11:35-11:45: GrantFinder spotlight – Zoe Wood and Timothy Crampton, Senior Account and New Business Development Manager, Idox Grants
Product insight, emerging opportunities, and how to strengthen your funding strategy with the right tools.

Speakers

Jaymie Tapsell,
Funding Officer, The National Lottery Community Fund.

Jaymie has 4 years’ experience as a Funding Officer on the Reaching Communities programme, supporting projects across Essex. Previously working in the VCSE sector and community projects, Jaymie brings insight from both sides of funding.

Perspectives on what funders look for, how to strengthen applications, and how community organisations can improve their chances of success.

Headshot of Catherine Foster

Catherine Foster,
Head of Grants and Major Donors,
Caudwell Children

With over 25 years’ experience across organisations including Cancer Research UK, The Air Ambulance Service and Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Catherine specialises in major giving, trusts and foundations.

Insights into successful grantmaking and major donor engagement, including what attracts funders and how to strengthen your case for support.

Howard Collins,
Bid Writer,
Runnymede Borough Council

Howard has secured millions in funding across local authorities and the charity sector since 2004.

Navigating the UK funding landscape, proven bid-writing techniques, and how to approach collaborative bids.

Zoe Wood,
Content Business Lead,
Idox

Zoe leads Idox’s Content Business, overseeing platforms including GrantFinder. She brings over 20 years’ experience across fundraising and research roles in the charity sector and national government.

Headshot of Tim Crampton

Timothy Crampton,
Senior Account and New Business Development Manager,
Idox Grants

Timothy has 14 years’ experience supporting organisations across sectors and is known for his consultative approach and deep sector knowledge.