We work closely with leading institutions, charities, universities and other research-focused organisations. We help grow their funding and communicate their research to funders and other groups.
For example, we offer flexible support with:
- optimising propositions or case for support materials
- profiling and identifying best fit funders, donors, partners or sponsors
- step-by-step help with engaging the interest of funders and securing funding agreements
- building mutually beneficial long-term relationships
- developing an organisational strategy, fundraising strategy or plan, and target setting
- individual giving particularly identifying, engaging, and developing high-value donors
- science writing and writing successful grant applications for Trusts, Foundations and national science funders including UKRI, NSF among others
- advising on strategies for growing particular types of funding e.g. corporate, foundation, major donors
- Developing and delivering successful and profitable events including research conferences, annual charity conferences, and other donor engagement events.
We offer a free initial 1 hour consultation by telephone or Zoom. Email samia@sponsorscientific.com.
Potential funders can also receive help. See our Funders Page.
Want more details about our services and fees? Read More
Perhaps you need a grant writer or somebody who can tell your research story effectively. You may need to create a funder engagement plan. Or you might want to find the ideal sponsor. You may want to explore what the growing trend for corporate partnerships means for your organisation’s future funding mix.
Whatever your challenge, we can help.
Our services are bespoke, tailored to your needs and may include:
Optimising your proposition
Project analysis including:
- Audience quantification
- Valuation
- Assessment of potential funder/partner/sponsor benefits
- Creating, updating or evaluating your case for support
Profiling and identifying your best fit funders or sponsors
Funder/partner/sponsor/donor research including:
- Defining the ideal funder/partner/sponsor/donor
- Identifying prospects and researching their strategies/target audiences/business aims/personal values/budgets etc. to find best-fit prospects
- Creation of ranked prospect pipeline containing only well aligned opportunities that will maximise response, saving valuable fundraising staff time
Step-by-step support on engaging the interest funders and securing funding agreements
Funder/partner/sponsor/donor engagement including:
- Identification of influential individuals within target organisations
- Outreach plan for every individual which may include
- Anticipation of benefits/aspects likely to be important
- Copywriting for outreach emails or video/audio messages
- Support in introduction orchestration including using networks/introductions
Elevating your funder/partner/sponsor/donor conversations including:
- Agenda/structure planning for the initial meeting/call
- Preparation/coaching ahead of the call
Effective follow-up techniques including:
- When and how to follow up
- Techniques to move discussions forward
- Support with tailored proposals: writing, editing, reviewing and proof-reading
- Anticipation of and support with overcoming obstacles
- Support with negotiation
Building mutually beneficial long-term relationships
Helping you plan for ongoing funder/partner/sponsor/donor communications including:
- Techniques to retain, extend or grow the funding over time
- Help with follow-up impact reporting: writing, editing, review and proof-reading
- Tips for managing the relationship when things go wrong
- Future-proofing including building trust, setting/managing/delivering expectations, extending your network within the partner organisation.
- Ensuring that fundraing is joined up with communications and other related functions to support and enhance it.
Developing your fundraising strategy and plan
Support with creating, evaluating, updating or implementing your fundraising plan or strategy. Strategic reviews. Target setting.
Individual giving including stewardship of donors, including:
- Review and feedback on existing activities
- Identification of new opportunities
- Help with defining and reaching target funder audiences through marketing or personal outreach
Science writing, engagement and writing successful grant proposals, including:
- General editorial services and grant consultant services
- Editing or writing successful grant proposals
- Science writing to better communicate your research to the public, policymakers or funders
- Support with engagement of the public, media or policymakers including REF Impact Case Studies, Environment Statements etc.
- Editing or writing project summaries for listing on www.sponsorscientific.com to attract sponsors and find funders by advertising to them (It’s 100% free to submit your project for listing on our website and promotion to target funder audiences. Find out more here)
Fees
As a new consultant with a successful track record of business development, fees are competitive:
- Fees are per day and range from £250-£350 depending on contract length and type of work
- If preferred, a fixed fee can be agreed for a clearly specified work package
- Available for interim staff cover and FTC roles
- In line with industry codes, and our values of transparency and integrity, we not accept commission
Here are are some examples of previous work and feedback. To see a full CV or request references please get in touch.
Are you new to using a consultant or freelancer? Before you engage somebody, we recommend this useful guide to the process from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.
