Creative Spaces Network
At Ngā Wāhi Auaha Creative Spaces Conference 2024, we were honoured to have Catherine Falstie-Jensen, Foundation North's Assessment Team Lead, share valuable tools and guidance on applying for funding in the current Aotearoa economic climate.
Whether you are new to funding or experienced, these resources offer effective strategies for securing funding within the creative spaces sector.
Catherine's session highlighted the Funding Guide, an essential starting point for those new to funding. This guide is designed to assist community groups and not-for-profit organisations in applying for funding. It provides crucial information on funders, what they are looking for, the types of funding available, and how to identify which funders are most likely to support your type of organisation or project.
The guide offers an overview of the necessary information for an application, helping you compile the key documents that most funders require. This preparation can save time when applying to multiple funders. Additionally, it includes helpful tips from other organisations on applying for funding, as well as insights from funders themselves.
Catherine also introduced the Capability Support Wheel, a valuable tool for those with more experience in funding who are seeking more targeted opportunities. The Capability Support Wheel is a signposting tool designed to help community organisations locate development resources.
The wheel is organised into six categories:
- Vision, mission, and strategy
- Governance and leadership
- Strategic relationships
- Internal operations and management
- Service delivery and impact
- Resource development
The wheel's segments provide links to resources available in each broad category of development.
Catherine Falstie-Jensen is the Assessment Team Lead at Foundation North, overseeing a dedicated team of seven as they review approximately 900 applications annually. With 13 years of experience in funding at Creative New Zealand and Foundation North, she has extensive expertise in the theatre, dance, and festival sectors. At Creative New Zealand, she established the Assessment Services team for external assessments. Catherine has also worked as a creative artist, independent producer, and was instrumental in establishing Q Theatre.
Foundation North is a strategic grant maker serving Auckland and Northland. While continuing its traditional community support funding, the Foundation is increasingly focused on partnering with grantees and other funders to drive large-scale, high-impact projects. By supporting innovative initiatives and providing additional resources, Foundation North aims to create significant positive change and help organisations build their capacity and capability.
