Think Like a Funder: Why Strong Applications Start Before You Write Them

A Fully Subsidised seminar for Non-Profits, Trusts, Clubs, Societies & Community Organisations

Presented by Amanda Clinton-Gohdes

Think Like a Funder: Why Strong Applications Start Before You Write Them
A practical, 2-hour workshop for community organisations

Course Agenda

Why do some funding applications succeed while others struggle — even when the work is good?

And why do some organisations seem to attract sponsorship and funding opportunities more easily than others?

Often it isn’t just about the application form. Funders are looking for signals — clarity of purpose, strong leadership, evidence of impact, and confidence that the organisation can deliver what it promises. These signals are often built long before a funding round opens.

This workshop helps community organisations understand how funders really think, what they look for beyond the application form, and how to assess funding opportunities before investing time and energy.

You’ll explore what builds funder confidence, what can raise concerns, and how to avoid funding that creates long-term pressure, reporting burden, or burnout.

You’ll gain clarity on:

• Which funding opportunities to pursue — and which to walk away from

• How funders assess fit, credibility, and risk

• Why some applications fail despite good intentions

• How to make funding decisions that support sustainability

Who it’s for

Community managers, board members, and senior volunteers involved in funding decisions.
No funding experience required.

Why this matters now

Funding is tighter, expectations are higher, and organisations need to be more deliberate about where they focus their effort.

This workshop helps you work smarter — not harder — when it comes to funding.

We’re delighted to have Amanda Clinton-Gohdes facilitating this workshop. Amanda is a passionate community advocate who brings a thoughtful and strategic lens to conversations about funding and community investment. A former lawyer and scientist, she served six years as a New Plymouth District Councillor, where she was closely involved in decisions about community priorities and long-term regional investment.

Amanda is well known for her analytical mind and her ability to ask the questions that lead to clearer thinking and better decisions. In this workshop, she will share practical insights into how funders assess opportunities, what builds confidence in an organisation, and how community groups can position their work more strongly when seeking support.