"We're not accepting unsolicited applications at this time."
"We only fund organisations we know."
"Our trustees identify potential grantees."
Every day, more foundations are closing their doors to new applications, leaving fundraisers like you wondering:
How do you get noticed when you can't even apply?
You've watched as more and more funding sources shift to "by invitation only" models.
You've felt the frustration of discovering perfect funding matches, only to find they're closed to applications.
You've questioned whether all your expertise in proposal writing even matters anymore in this new landscape.
There is a way in.
The truth? Invite-only doesn't mean inaccessible. It means you need a different approach.
Organisations that consistently receive invitations to apply aren't just lucky – they're strategic about how they position themselves in funders' line of sight.
"One of the best courses I've attended. Renewed my enthusiasm for fundraising and given me loads of practical tools to use."
Sarah Hindley, British & Foreign Bible Society
Introducing
How to get in front of invite-only funders
A practical, results-focused 4-session course that transforms how your organisation positions itself with funders.
Running over four consecutive Wednesdays:
Nov 5, 12, 19 and 26
£345
Two-time options
MORNING SESSION SOLD OUT.
AFTERNOON PLACES STILL AVAILABLE.
No more:
Discovering perfect funding matches only to find they're closed to applications
Wasting time on applications that never had a chance
Watching other organisations receive invitations while you're left out
Feeling like there's an invisible "funding club" you can't join
Instead, you'll learn:
How to create a digital presence that puts you on funders' radar
Strategic LinkedIn approaches that open doors to exclusive funding circles
How to mobilise your entire organisation as funding ambassadors
Practical tools to build relationships before you need funding
Yes I want in!
Choose from two workshop dates/times
Hear from other fundraisers
"I would 100% recommend it! I like that we look from a funders perspective which was really helpful."
Lucy Kidson
Mind
"It's definitely worthwhile. Insightful and some great and simple tips."
Miranda Theobald
Family Fund
"Absolutely worth the money! Make sure you set aside time after each session to implement the learnings."
Anna Clark
The Difference
What You'll Learn: The Insider's Roadmap to Funder Access
Session 1: Building Organisational Networks That Open Doors
90 minutes, live online
Discover:
How to map your organisation's existing connections to find hidden pathways to funders
Ways to involve your whole team in relationship-building (without burdening them)
Strategic approaches to make the most of sector events and conferences
Session 2: LinkedIn as Your Strategic Funding Gateway
90 minutes, live online
You'll learn:
How to optimise your personal and organisational profiles specifically for funder research
Making the most of the search feature to get you in front of the funders you want
A lazy LinkedIn strategy to get the most out of the platform in 60 minutes a week.
Session 3: Creating a Digital Presence That Funders Notice
90 minutes, live online
This session covers:
Website essentials that funders truly look for (and what sends them running)
Creating impact reports that busy foundation staff will genuinely read
Clear language principles for explaining complex work to funders
Session 4: Implementation Clinic
90 minutes, live online
This hands-on session provides:
Personalised feedback on your specific challenges and opportunities
Simple, clear advice on applying these ideas to your unique situation
Practical next steps and accountability planning
What You'll Receive
Four live, interactive online sessions
All the session recordings
Comprehensive workbook with templates and tools
Access to a private Slack channel for questions between sessions
LinkedIn optimisation templates
Who this course is for
This course is ideal for:
Fundraisers struggling to break through to selective or hard-to-reach funders
Teams tired of hearing "we only fund organisations we know"
Organisations where funders are not based in your country
Teams with trusts and foundations as a key income stream
Small to medium organisations that don't have a well-known brand
Fundraisers seeking to build relationships with funders before applying
Here's what other fundraisers are saying about the course
"The input was very practical, a combination of small 'quick win' actions and longer-term strategic thinking."
Ruth Patil
Carers Worldwide
"Michelle's clear, staged approach to structure and planning was excellent."
Bradley Gill
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
"I found the course very practical - I liked having clear actions to take away and try."
Lucy Vernon
Citizens Advice
I'm ready to get in front of more invite-only funders
Choose from two workshop dates/times
Meet your trainer
Hello! I'm Michelle Stein
A former British Museum and WaterAid fundraising leader, I went from hovering awkwardly at donor events to landing multi-million pound gifts.
Now I help charities and non-profits scale their impact through stronger donor relationships and smarter fundraising strategies.
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FAQ section
Frequently Asked Questions
You've got questions. We've got answers.
Is this course just for large organisations?
Not at all. In fact, smaller organisations often see the most dramatic results as they're able to implement changes quickly and stand out to funders looking for fresh approaches. The strategies work regardless of your size or budget.
What if I can't attend all the live sessions?
All sessions are recorded and available for six months following the course. However, we strongly encourage live attendance for the implementation clinic to get personalised feedback on your specific situation.
Will this work for international organisations?
Absolutely. This course specifically addresses the challenges faced by organisations seeking funding from sources in different countries, with strategies tailored for both UK/US fundraisers and African-based organisations.
Is this just about invite-only funders?
No. While the strategies work exceptionally well for accessing invite-only funding programmes, they're equally effective for any competitive funding situation where relationships and visibility matter - which is virtually all foundation funding today.
I am based in the Global South and can't afford the training. What can I do?
I offer parity pricing to organisations based in the Global South. Contact me via michelle@handmadefundraising.com to find a price that's fair to both of us.
Can I have mutiple people from my organisation attend?
Of course. Please contact me for a group discount.
Count me in!
I'm ready to join.