Freelance Fundraising Consultant

Box; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading film festival in Peterborough is seeking a freelance fundraising consultant to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy. The role involves evaluating funding streams and preparing grant applications to secure support for the festival's initiatives. This consultancy offers the chance to play a significant part in sustaining a valued community project.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in arts/community fundraising or film projects.
• Strong track record of successful grant or sponsorship bids.
• Self-sufficient and able to produce strategy and draft applications independently.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy.
• Evaluate local/national funding streams for diversification.
• Prepare grant applications, working closely with Gateway.

Skills

Fundraising

Grant applications

Collaboration

Communication

Job description

An initiative of Cine-Sister CIC, Gateway Film Festival is based in Peterborough and aims to celebrate local history and community through diverse, inclusive film programming and meaningful collaboration with local partners. Since its launch in 2019, Gateway has become a leading force in film exhibition across the city, collaborating with over 40 organisations to bring high-quality, accessible cinema experiences to a wide range of audiences.

We are seeking a freelance fundraising consultant to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that will support the expansion and long-term sustainability of this work in Peterborough, as the current BFI Spotlight programme concludes in March 2026. The goal is to secure funding that enables us to continue supporting our network of local partners and to build upon the momentum and impact of this three-year initiative.

• The consultancy is expected to commence in August 2025 and conclude by March 2026, aligning with key milestones of the BFI Spotlight programme.
• Evaluate current local/national funding streams and identify the most promising opportunities for diversification
• Develop a fundraising strategy targeting grants

Grant and Funding Applications

• Identify suitable grant opportunities aligned with the programme’s objectives.
• Prepare grant applications, working closely with Gateway.

Support & Resources Provided

• Full background information on the programme’s aims and achievements
• Access to existing funding models, case studies, impact reports, audience feedback, and partner baseline surveys
• Ongoing support and collaboration with Gateway Film Festival’s leadership

Person specifications

• Proven experience in arts/community fundraising or within film or place-based projects
• Strong track record of successful grant or sponsorship bids
• Collaborative and clear communicator, comfortable working with a small team.
• Self-sufficient and able to produce strategy and draft applications independently.
• Knowledge of Peterborough or willingness to build understanding quickly.
• The ability to visit Peterborough at least once (expenses covered).

How to apply

Interested consultants should submit no more than 2 pages:

• A proposal outlining their approach to the scope of work.

The closing date for this position is 31/07/2025 at 12:00