About the programme
Untangling the mysteries of grant funding
If you’re new to Straight Forward Funding and not familiar with the Membership – it’s simply an online resource designed specifically for people like you!
If you already know you want to join – and want to skip all the info – just click here and join today. Otherwise – read on!
It’s for leaders, supporters, volunteers or staff who have busy lives – but still need to find grant funding to enrich, extend and expand their organisation.
Honestly, when I first set it up, I was aiming to support those grassroots organisations who didn’t have the income in place to be able to appoint a ‘bid writer’. But, over the last few years, I have discovered that the following people/organisations have also found it really valuable:
- Virtual Assistants (usually working alongside third sector organisations)
- Funding consultants
- Amateur/community sports clubs
- School staff
- Social Enterprises - particularly those rooted in local communities.
- Smaller registered charities - particularly those with small leadership teams who tend to have a very varied job description!
So, I think it’s safe to say that if you have been tasked with applying for grant funding – the Membership Programme is well worth a look.
It’s a different way of doing things. Traditional training courses are great, I’ve been on lots – but they can take up a huge amount of time, they are often expensive and once the day is over, you’re back on your own again.
For that very reason I wanted to create a low cost – but high impact – programme that would give people the skills, and the confidence, on an ongoing basis to navigate the ‘grant funding world’.
I wanted to create a system that would help you make the most of resources out there already – but give you systems, strategies, resources and templates to speed the process up for you.
A resource I wish I’d had when I was first starting out!
The Membership Offer
If you are not familiar with the Membership Programme - this is what is currently included:
weekly updates
A weekly email update covering current grant funding news, useful info and critical dates. (In addition to the free monthly versions I send out)
funding deadlines
Weekly reminders about imminent application deadlines
24-hour access
24-hour, online access to my database of almost a thousand (and growing) grant funding sources
Video tutorials
Short video tutorials helping you to get started, get more confident, or even simply get more motivated to write grant applications!
resource packs
Full access to all the resource packs I provide with my CPD and training sessions
TEMPLATE documents
A range of template documents to help you plan, manage and review your applications
time saving strategies
Access to time saving/creating strategies and resources
SOS calls
Regular 30 minute SOS calls to pick my brains, for when you hit that 'grant funding wall'!
- How to get started
- A guide to basic grants terminology
- A method to clarify your vision
- Fact File Template
- How to identify the best funders for your organisation
- Understanding your legal structure
- Action Plan template
- The importance of Monitoring & Evaluation
- The Straight Forward Funding Toolkit
- How to Build a Case for Support
- and much, much, much, more.
And there’s even some sections specifically dedicated to the needs of schools, community groups, sports clubs and funding consultants
So just click here and join today.
And remember, if you do sign up today then you will only ever pay the current rate as long as you are a member – it will never increase for you.
Some of my members joined the very first time I opened the doors several years ago. I have never – and will never – increase the cost to them (or you) for as long as they stay a member.
Still want to know more?
is this right for you and your organisation?
I’ve always strived to make the membership a really useful and practical resource – but of course you never really know how something is going to be received until you get brave enough to launch it. (And before I launched this, I had never done anything like it before – I was well and truly out of my comfort zone!)
The last few years have seen me take a major career change – from a background working in sports development (Rugby League) for 10 years – and then schools and education for another 15 years – and I really had to dig deep to find the courage to set up my own business – and of course, as soon as I did, a flaming pandemic came along!
But like they say – if you don’t take the risk, you lose the opportunity.
Alongside the Straight Forward Funding Membership I’ve also delivered countless face to face and online training sessions for and with a range of organisations including:
And I can honestly say, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed delivering every single session, and meeting each and every participant.
Behind the scenes
Still have a few questions about the membership programme? Here's a sneak preview behind the scenes.
Testimonials
What clients say?
Here’s a bit of feedback I received. (And I am totally 'made up' when I receive feedback such as this):
“Just to say a massive thank you for all the great information you provide, especially about potential funders.
I started to help {Name of organisation} in December 2022. I’ve just totted up and in terms of fundraising have just passed the £100,000 mark in 2 years with lots of small funders in and among some big ones. Best was £25,000 from the Postcode Lottery which I was really pleased with as both me and my wife have done the Postcode Lottery for ages.
Several of the successful fundraisers have come from your tip-offs which proves that what you do is very worthwhile. Have a great Christmas and all the best for 2025.
“I heard back from the (Funder) at the end of Jan whilst I was away and we were successful in getting the funding! Thank you for all of your help and support it’s been amazing and I’m so happy!!
“The workshops were delivered exceptionally well by Lisa, her tips to stay organised are simple and brilliant.”
Anonymous Review
“Bite size CPD is often, the only way I can support my own development. Informative snippets from Lisa are so valuable .”
Anonymous Review
“I always look forward to your emails landing! They are such a fountain of useful information.”
Lisa is our go-to choice when commissioning workshops; put simply she ‘gets it’. She understands what organisations need and provides training that is accessible and enjoyable. We commissioned a number of organisations to provide VCS support and Lisa’s came out on top when we asked for feedback.
Participants who have been supported by Lisa have told us:
“The effortless productivity workshop was very helpful in helping us identify where our capacity challenges are and implementing some of the suggestions for better time management”
“I have been fundraising for many years, but find there’s always something to learn. Lisa’s workshops taught me strategies that I was completely unaware of.”
“As a team, we have discussed the learnings from the funding workshops and have amended the information we use to demonstrate impact.”
“We have used learning from the workshops to successfully apply for funding”
“Lisa’s work is engaging, effective, enjoyable and great value for money, we plan to work with her again in the future.
CEO One Community Foundation”
Get Instant Access to the Membership
helping you take the stress out of grant funding so that you have more time to do what you do best
Now, I completely understand if you are a little reticent to purchase something ‘off t’internet’!
Here’s a few things that might put your mind at rest.
I don’t ask for your bank details – payment is via Stripe or PayPal – you are in control and can stop your membership at any point without even contacting me.
I can also provide a 12-month membership, paid for up front by invoice in specific or special circumstances. I prefer to not do this as it causes more administration – which in the long-term causes price increases. So please, if possible, choose the automated monthly payment via Stripe or PayPal.
I offer a 7 day, no quibble refund guarantee, if you join – and then decide it isn’t for you.
The most you ever commit to spending is that first monthly payment – a pretty low risk, but potentially high impact investment for you and/or your organisation. You can cancel at any time – you are in control. No questions asked. Join today.
Opening Again Soon
The doors will be opening to new members soon – BUT will only be open for a very limited time.
Sign up to the waiting list below and be the first to hear the news.
What's included:
- Core Skills Training
- Weekly Members only funding updates
- 10% off strategy calls and power hours
- Monthly Workshops
- Masterclasses
- Templates & Resources
- Tools for Long-Term Vision Development
Early Bird Offer
To mark the launch of this new service, membership is opened for a limited time at a special early bird discount. Make most of this offer and sign up now!
The window to join the membership at this price will close in:
What's included:
- Core Skills Training
- Access to private members only Facebook Group
- Online Meeting Room
- Monthly Workshops
- Masterclasses
- Templates & Resources
- Tools for Long-Term Vision Development
Get Instant Access to the Membership
helping you take the stress out of grant funding so that you have more time to do what you do best
What's included:
- Core Skills Training
- Weekly Members only funding updates
- 10% off strategy calls and power hours
- Monthly Workshops
- Masterclasses
- Templates & Resources
- Tools for Long-Term Vision Development