Sound Waves Choir is a small, vibrant community group committed to reducing social isolation, particularly for older people and those living with physical disabilities. Their welcoming, inclusive approach offers not just music, but connection, confidence, and friendship, but with no previous experience in fundraising, knowing where to begin was daunting.
Their first encounter with Funding for All came when a choir representative attended one of our Funding Surgeries in Dover. She had spotted it on a local Facebook group and decided to go because it was nearby, and as she put it, she had “nothing to lose”.
After the session, she reflected on how transformative the advice had been, sharing:
“I’ve done a lot of research myself, online and chatting to other people who fulfil my role in other places, but I have never had such in‑depth advice and such helpful direction as to where to go to find out more, refine our applications, and the different ways in which we can source funding by branching out and looking in different areas and perhaps redefining the way we present ourselves.”
Taking the next step with mentoring
Inspired by the support she received, she soon signed up for our Mentoring Programme.
During her sessions, the mentor helped the group understand what they needed for strong funding applications, including:
- Preparing essential documents such as accounts, policies, quotes, and an annual report
- Researching appropriate funders and understanding their criteria
- Breaking down application questions to understand what funders are really asking
- Writing clear, compelling responses
- Understanding what additional documents and referee statements should include
With guidance, the choir prepared an application for the Kent Community Foundation Micro Grant, taking the mentor’s advice on how to shape their answers and what to include. The mentor reviewed their draft, offered feedback, and supported them through submission. They also worked on an application to The Cole Charitable Trust.
Beyond grants, they explored Community Fundraising and how the many in‑kind contributions they receive – rehearsal space, volunteer time, donated materials – can be presented as match-funding, strengthening future bids.
A mentoring match that made all the difference
The mentee expressed how well‑matched she felt with her mentor:
“[FFA] took the time and trouble to find somebody who fits me and my style like a glove, while still making sure that the salient points in the questionnaires were addressed to give us the best chance of success.”
For her, the mentoring was both practical and empowering:
“I found my mentor incredibly helpful and not in the least patronising. All of it was useful – even those parts I thought might not fit the application I was working on at the time. The mentor showed me how to tackle other questions… I have never been so impressed.”
She has already begun recommending the programme to others, reflecting on how much both mentor and mentee gain through the relationship:
“To be able to import their knowledge and method to people, particularly like myself who have never done this before, is an amazing talent. I have been met with nothing other than sympathetic and constructive help from day one.”
Inspired by this story? Your organisation could achieve more with the right support behind you. Discover how our Mentoring Programme can help you develop your fundraising and make an even bigger.
