The aim of the workshop was to help local environment and nature groups collaborate more effectively and put forward stronger joint funding bids.
The morning opened with a lively discussion of why collaboration matters and the pitfalls that can trip partnerships up.
Beverly Mann, Funding and Sustainability Officer at Central Surrey Voluntary Action and Voluntary Action Surrey East, then gave a frank picture of today's funding landscape: more applicants, narrower funder remits and growing use of AI to screen bids.
Beverly's advice was to stop asking "what funding is available?" and ask instead which funders have a strategic reason to invest in your work. Bids should align closely with funder priorities, evidence both need and impact, and include long-term planning from day one. Partnerships and consortia, she stressed, make bids far stronger.
Participants then split into four groups (flooding, energy, rewilding, and community/eco hubs) to begin shaping real collaborative bids.
When asked how the Commission could help, groups called for shared bids, introductions and meetings across Surrey. They also asked for templates, funding sessions and practical guidance, and for shared support on volunteer recruitment, insurance and safeguarding. This feedback will shape the Commission's framework and guidance on collaboration for local groups.
To subscribe to Beverly's free monthly funding newsletter, or to request one-to-one funding support, email beverly.mann@csva.co.uk.