About
Kia ora, I'm Valerie.
I've spent over 15 years in the charity funding sector — as a grant funder supporting funded projects and assessing proposals, as well as writing applications, peer-reviewing them, teaching other people to make a strong case, and also evaluating the difference the projects are making. Grant Ready Aotearoa is where I've put all of my knowledge for you.
From a music charity in London to grassroots trusts in Taranaki
My funding journey started overseas, at a music charity in London, before I came to Aotearoa and settled in Taranaki. Since then I've worked for multiple charities - regional and national and have therefore applied to many funders across Aotearoa.
For a long time, I offered that experience as a consultant: writing applications and case-for-support documents, as well as creating evaluation plans for many wonderful causes. I learnt a lot, but at present I focus on working for the Waitara-based charity WISE Charitable Trust with a wonderful team creating employment pathways and reducing energy hardship. However, I'm still passionate about sharing my knowledge so that the sector is empowered to tell their story and access funding, which is why I created this website with these resources.
Why I still run workshops
A workshop does something a toolkit alone can't: it puts your draft in front of people who'll ask the questions a funder would, before a funder ever sees it. I run Funding 101, Case for Support, Peer Review Mahi and Grant Writing Lab in collaboration with The Wheelhouse, Creative Taranaki and Sport Taranaki. I love running these workshops so reach out if you would like to know when the next one is scheduled, or if your organisation would like to book a funding training session.
What I bring to a room:
- 15+ years writing, reviewing and teaching grant funding
- Experience on both sides of the table — as an applicant and as a funder
- A Taranaki base, and Aotearoa-wide experience
- A focus on outcomes, evaluation and case for support, not just "how to fill in the form"
"I want people to see their own power." — Ai Weiwei
I love this quote because you know your community best and I just want to help you get it onto the page in a way a funder can say yes to.