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Tom Appleton

Grant Funding

Tom helps individuals, businesses, schools, and charities put together compelling and impactful funding applications.

Tom's clients have secured significant funds from:

Heritage Lottery Fund
Arts Council England
Local Authorities
Crowdfunding
European Regional Development Fund
Movember Foundation
Adnams Foundation
Trusts and Foundations
'Tom helped me build an incredible, and ultimately successful, grant application. But beyond that he made the process so much easier and smoother than I could have ever imagined. Writing a grant wasn’t exactly the kind of thing I ever imagined wanting to do but in the end, with Tom, I really enjoyed the process’
Sam Browne
Poetry
‘Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!! That was just the best funding CPD ever!’
Local Authority
Area Manager
‘The panel found the proposal highly innovative and exciting…and found it to be one of the strongest and most compelling submissions’
Young Men and Media Collective
Movember Foundation

If you are looking for funding...

in arts and culture, heritage, education, place building, or to aid your business’s growth.
Tom can help make the case with you.

How Tom works with you

Every funding application is different. Tom takes time to understand your project, your organisation, and your ambitions before putting a single word on the page. Whether you need help identifying the right funders, shaping your case, writing the application, or all three, Tom can work with you at whatever stage you are at.

He brings experience across a wide range of sectors and funding bodies, which means he knows what panels are looking for and how to frame your work in a way that lands.

Ready to explore your funding options?

Whether you have a specific project in mind or are just starting to think about what might be possible, get in touch for an initial conversation.

FAQ

Who do you work with?

Tom works with a wide range of individuals and organisations, including charities, arts and cultural organisations, schools, community groups, heritage bodies, and businesses. Based in the East of England, Tom works with clients across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and beyond.

What funding bodies do you have experience with?

Tom has helped clients secure funding from Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund, local authorities across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, the European Regional Development Fund, the Movember Foundation, the Adnams Foundation, and a range of other Trusts and Foundations.

Do I need a specific project in mind before getting in touch?

Not at all. Some clients come with a fully formed project and just need help with the application. Others are at an earlier stage and need help identifying the right funders and shaping the case. Tom is happy to work with you at whatever stage you are at.

What does the process look like?

Tom typically starts with an initial conversation to understand your project, your organisation, and your ambitions. From there he can help identify suitable funders, shape your case, and write or co-write the application with you.

How do you charge for grant funding work?

Tom charges a day rate for his time rather than a percentage of the grant. This means you know what you are paying upfront, regardless of the outcome. Contact Tom to discuss your project and get an idea of the time involved.

Can you help with grant funding outside the arts?

Yes. While Tom has deep experience in arts and culture, his grant funding work covers heritage, education, place building, health and wellbeing, and business growth. If you are unsure whether your project is a fit, just get in touch.

What makes a strong funding application?

The strongest applications are clear about what the project is, who it is for, and what difference it will make. They speak the language of the funder and demonstrate the applicant has the track record and capacity to deliver.

Can you help if I need Access Support to apply?

Tom has knowledge and experience of working with applicants who require Access Support. He is happy to work with people whatever barriers they may face in applying to public bodies like Arts Council England. Please mention any access needs when you get in touch.