Freelance Fundraising Consultant

Salary: £3,500

Gateway Film Festival is seeking an experienced fundraising consultant to help secure the legacy of our work as part of the BFI Spotlight programme, ensuring bold, inclusive, community-driven cinema continues to thrive in Peterborough.

An initiative of Cine-Sister CIC, Gateway Film Festival is based in Peterborough and aims to celebrate local history and community through diverse, inclusive film programming and meaningful collaboration with local partners. Since its launch in 2019, Gateway has become a leading force in film exhibition across the city, collaborating with over 40 organisations to bring high-quality, accessible cinema experiences to a wide range of audiences.

We are seeking a freelance fundraising consultant to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that will support the expansion and long-term sustainability of this work in Peterborough, as the current BFI Spotlight programme concludes in March 2026. The goal is to secure funding that enables us to continue supporting our network of local partners and to build upon the momentum and impact of this three-year initiative.

Role details

• The consultancy is expected to commence in August 2025 and conclude by March 2026, aligning with key milestones of the BFI Spotlight programme.
• For further details on this role, please visit Gateway Film Festival’s job page.

Role responsibilities

Assessment and Strategy Development

• Evaluate current local/national funding streams and identify the most promising opportunities for diversification
• Develop a fundraising strategy targeting grants

Grant and Funding Applications

• Identify suitable grant opportunities aligned with the programme’s objectives.
• Prepare grant applications, working closely with Gateway.

Support & Resources Provided

• Full background information on the programme’s aims and achievements
• Access to existing funding models, case studies, impact reports, audience feedback, and partner baseline surveys
• Ongoing support and collaboration with Gateway Film Festival’s leadership

Person specifications

• Proven experience in arts/community fundraising or within film or place-based projects
• Strong track record of successful grant or sponsorship bids
• Collaborative and clear communicator, comfortable working with a small team.
• Self-sufficient and able to produce strategy and draft applications independently.
• Knowledge of Peterborough or willingness to build understanding quickly.
• The ability to visit Peterborough at least once (expenses covered).

How to apply

Interested consultants should submit no more than 2 pages:

• A proposal outlining their approach to the scope of work.
• Relevant experience/ examples.
• Proposed timeline

Please send applications to gatewayfilmfestival@gmail.com by 31st July 2025 at 12pm

The closing date for this position is 31/07/2025 at 12:00