Bid Writing Services
100% success rate across 35+ National Lottery Heritage Fund & Arts Council capital funding bids
Why work with us on bid writing?
Unique specialist expertise
Arts & Heritage Project Managers – we have individuals on our team who have worked in the ACE capital funding team and been appointed as monitors on the NLHF and ACE construction consultant frameworks.
We understand what these funders look for, their criteria and processes, meaning we know h ow to position your application for s uccess - giving you the edge in a fiercely competitive funding environment.
Knowledge of fu nder priorities and processes extends to all major foundations and government and local authority infrastructure and regeneration schemes, e.g. Levelling Up and place-based programmes.
End-to-end delivery
We provide detailed troubleshooting, ever ything from early feasibility and business planning, through match fu nding strategies, phasing and pro gramming, to achieve absolute alignment with funder criteria, timelines and priorities.
Combining analytical rigour and technical expertise with creative insight to help you move from concept to construction, building the strongest cases for support.
Strategic alignment
We identify the best funding opportunities for you and articulate your project in terms that will resonate with funders.
Saving you time and money with initial eligibility checks to ensure best fit with fund
Lincoln Cathedral: circa £18m NLHF-funded project. Cragg Management were the project manager, contract administrators, and M&E QS.
Polka Theatre: project value circa £7m, Arts Council England funded. Cragg Management were ap pointed as Project Manager for the capital redevelopment, including preparation of funding bids and securing ACE funding.
service Offering
Initial Assessment & Strategy
Eligibility compliance check against funder criteria
Project timeline and submission planning
Bid/no-bid decision
Bid Content & Documentation
We tailor all written content to each funder’s requirements but as an illustration:
Core narrative: project over view, case for support, outcomes and evaluation framework, public benefit statement, activity plans and community engagement strategy, environmental sustainability approach, governance and management structures, procurement strategy.
Financial documentation: Budget preparation and financial narrative, match funding strategy
and pipeline planning, cash flow forecasting.Technical coordination: Liaison with architects, quantity surveyors and other consultants and advisors to coordinate relevant technical & specialist content, e.g. options appraisals, feasibility studies, conditions sur veys, site plans and drawings, cost plans, risk registers, programmes, conservation management plans, audience development plans, access audits, decarbonisation plans.
Quality Assurance & Submission
Compliance checking against funder criteria
Internal review and copy editing
Up to two rounds of revisions
Final formatting and document preparation
Application submission and funder liaison
Post-Submission Support
Clarification question responses
Assessment site visit support (where applicable)
TRANSPARENT PRICING
Fee Structure
Funder type
Fee range *
Tier 1
Major Public Funders
£3,000 - £7,000
Tier 2
Large Foundations
£1,800 - £4,200
Tier 3
Trusts & Smaller Foundations
£600 - £2,400
* Indicative fee range. Will vary depending on scale of the grant being requested, complexity and length of application process, and whether detailed attachments and coordination of specialist surveys/reports is required. You would only pay for what is needed. Quotes available on a time charged or fixed fee basis. Fees exclude VAT.
Process & timeline
Additional Services
Funder identification and prospect research: £600/day
Expedited service (2-week turnaround): +30%
Supporting documents (options appraisals, feasibility studies, business plans, evaluation reports): quotes available upon request
Resubmission / bid rework: 50% original fee
Ad-hoc consulting: £600/day
Planning to write a bid?
We'd welcome the opportunity to discuss your funding priorities and upcoming deadlines.
Get in touch to arrange an initial conversation
Call us on: 01273 077560