Grant Funding Masters Academy

Ready to turn your project into a funded reality?

Join a cohort of 12 makers and artists for an 8-week, live intensive designed and run by funding expert Alex Finberg

Applications are currently open for our next quarterly intake in September 2026. We screen applicants to ensure you are at the right stage to apply for funding - we you’ll receive a decision within 48 hours. Tell us about your practice below and apply for your place now!

Course Overview

8 Weeks to a Funded Practice: know you have a strong creative project idea? tired of watching deadlines pass? Beat writers block and master the craft of grant writing! This 8-week live cohort takes you from a blank page to a submitted, expert-reviewed application for funders like Arts Council England, QEST, and major UK trusts.

  • Live Expert Coaching: 8 × weekly 2-hour sessions with Alex Finberg.

  • Direct Feedback: Up to 4 expert written reviews of your actual drafts.

  • Live Feedback: expert feedback on your applications in a supportive peer coaching environment

  • The AI Edge: access to our custom-trained grant review LLM.

  • Submit-or-Commit: Leave with your application sent or a coached draft application in hand.

  • Ongoing Support: Lifetime access to our alumni community and monthly calls.

Is this the right course for you?

This Academy is designed specifically for established makers, artists, and craftspeople who are ready to move past "exploring" and start winning grants

  • You are ready if: You have a specific project in mind and are prepared to commit 4–6 hours a week to your studio's future.

  • Target Funders: Perfect for those targeting ACE (DYCP/Project Grants), Creative Scotland, Arts Council Wales, or major trusts.

  • Waitlist Policy: If your project isn't quite ready for this intensive, we will point you toward our £0 > Funded starter course to help you build your foundation first.

“This course is extremely helpful if you are thinking of applying for funding. It is well-structured, and provides everything you need to get you focused and prepared. Alex is a fount of knowledge, and generous with resources and feedback. "

— JV (Maker & Member of Makesouthwest)

8 week Course Structure

Move from idea to ready to submit in 8 weeks. Block out time to work on your applications and create a blueprint you can apply and tweak to apply to all major UK funders:

  • Week 1 — Map Your Funding Landscape Name your funder. Name your stage. Build your application draft.

  • Week 2 — Funder Psychology Understand what assessors are actually reading for. Stop guessing. Start speaking their language.

  • Week 3 — Hot-Seat Reviews (Round 1) Three makers get live feedback on their drafts. Everyone learns.

  • Week 4 — The Review Week Alex reviews your draft in writing. You get a likelihood of funding rating, detailed feedback, suggested amendments. Honest edits. No fluff.

  • Week 5 — Hot-Seat Reviews (Round 2) Three more makers receiving live expert reviews on the call from Alex

  • Week 6 — The Assessor's-Eye View Rejection reasons. Scoring grids , how funders actually make decisions.

  • Week 7 — Hot-Seat Reviews (Round 3) Final three makers. By now, you're spotting weaknesses before Alex does.

  • Week 8 — Submit or Commit Live working session. Final application checks. Either you hit send, or you leave with a committed next-steps plan.

Meet your tutor

Alex Finberg is a grant writer, Arts Council Awardee, and founder of Woodcrafters CIC. Currently @ School of Social Entrepreneurs

As a leader of a social enterprise and a maker I know how busy the admin side of running a creative business is. I have been in the cycle of applying for grants, and know how easy it is for applications to go unwritten and deadlines pass - despite having a great project idea which you know deep down will have a great impact!

I created this course for professional makers who want to elevate their practice and get funding for their creative projects but need the time, guidance and tools to get their application over the line.

Join us and identify the right grants for your project, set goals, be held accountable to them (with kindness!) get live expert feedback on your draft applications and share the journey with other makers to get your applications submitted & funded!

Looking forward to working with you,

Alex

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Quarterly. Dates listed above - Apply now to secure your place or join the waitlist for the next cohort

  • 4–6 hours, including the live 2-hour session. Plan for it like you'd plan for a studio day.

  • We ask you to commit to at least 5 of the 8 live sessions. Recordings are available, but the room is where the magic happens and real learning takes place.

  • Most serious applications can take 3-6 months of preparation. The alumni community keeps supporting you long after week 8 — with monthly calls, peer reviews, and discounted re-enrolment.

  • Yes. Both tiers have a 3-month payment plan.

  • We'll send you straight to the £0 > Funded 4-week course and add you to the waitlist for the next cohort when the timing is better.