Portrait of a smiling Claire Abbs with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a navy blue top and white cardigan, against a teal background.
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Helping small charities & social enterprises get

fundable & funded!

Hi, I’m Claire!

I’m a former charity CEO with over 20 years’ experience in the sector. I now support small charities and social enterprises to make sure they’re fundable and to secure the grants they need.

This isn’t about chasing every opportunity going. It’s about clarity, focus, and making better decisions with limited time and resources.

You might be:

  • responsible for fundraising alongside everything else

  • unsure which opportunities are a good fit and worth the time and energy

  • overwhelmed by advice that isn’t practical for small organisations

  • putting time into bids but just not getting any return

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone! Small charities and social enterprises don't need things to be complicated, they need to focus their efforts on what matters most.

Fundraising can feel overwhelming

especially in small organisations

Claire has been our charity fundraiser since November 2024. I can 100% recommend her to any charities particularly in Norfolk looking for a reliable fundraiser who can draft outstanding applications on your behalf. She is friendly, professional and well organised and has secured the financial future of our charity for the next year and beyond.
— Eleanor Mason | Get Me Out The Four Walls
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Practical support from someone who gets it…

Before working freelance, I ran small charities and social enterprises myself

I understand:

  • tight budgets, limited capacity, and wearing all the hats!

  • the pressure of being responsible for income but not knowing where to look first

  • how frustrating it is when you just cannot find the funding for what's really needed.

My approach is pragmatic and honest.

I focus on helping you choose the right projects for the right funders, rather than writing as many applications as you can.

Support that meets you where you are now…

Different organisations need different kinds of help

Whether you’re just starting to explore funding, looking for practical tools, or want more tailored support, there are a number of ways you can work with me, depending on what feels right for you and your organisation.

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Free resources

Designed to help you spot new funding opportunities, get the foundations in place for good fundraising, and make better decisions about where to focus your time.

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Downloadable guides

Straightforward templates and guides I’ve designed for small charities and social enterprises who want practical help to get started.

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1:1 support

Focused, tailored support to help you shape strong projects, focus on the right opportunities, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Some kind words from people I’ve worked with

I’m proud to support a wide range of small charities and social enterprises

Here are a few things people have shared about their experience of working with me.

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“Claire was extremely knowledgeable about aligning our projects with suitable funding and understands the best structure and content to give us the best chance of success. I highly recommend her for any charity or social enterprise seeking funding”

Serena Fordham | ProspHER Community CIC

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“Claire has been instrumental in securing significant grants to assist with the day-to-day operation and capital projects”

Mark Suddes | Suffolk Oxygen Therapy Centre

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“Having Claire work for our charity has been the best thing to happen to us in 10 years. Claire has managed to bring in a huge amount of funding over the last 7 months far in excess of what we hoped.”

Paul Press | Offshoot Foundation

Funding Focus newsletter

Practical funding insight for small charities and social enterprises.

Each week I share:

  • a current funding opportunity that might be worth exploring

  • practical tips to help you decide where to focus your time

  • other resources I come across that might help