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Need solid uninterrupted focus?

National Arts Fundraising School (NAFS) - Dancer - In Person Programme - Green

Our fully-updated In Person option gives you the best of both worlds: focused online preparation, followed by an intensive five-day residential experience — and support that continues after you leave.

Before the residential, you’ll take part in an interactive webinar and enjoy one-to-one Zoom coaching. So you arrive clear, confident and ready to make the most of the week. You’ll then join a small group at a beautiful residential venue, designed to help you step away from day-to-day pressures and focus fully on your thinking, planning and development.

Throughout the five days, you’ll work closely with our team of leading UK experts, alongside peers facing similar challenges. Sessions are practical, discussion-led and tailored to the group — no two schools are ever the same.

When you leave, your personal coach will help you lock in priorities, clarify the next steps and shape a strong, realistic implementation plan.

This option combines high-quality online and in-person learning with focus on application to your context. Add in post-programme coaching and three months of ongoing support — and imagine what becomes possible with the time, space and expert guidance to think properly.

Our next In Person programme runs 13th-17th April 2026.

Secure your place now

Lisa February — Creative Freelance Practitioner
The NAFS course broadened my knowledge of funding opportunities and how to approach them, in order to have the best chance of success.
Lisa February, Creative Freelance Practitioner

Why choose the In Person programme?

Your strategy journey begins with a one-to-one call with your personal coach, helping you clarify your goals and set direction. You’ll then take part in an interactive online onboarding session, meeting the 14 other ambitious participants and hearing about the structure.

Next, you step away from everyday demands and head to the comfortable Mere Court Hotel in Knutsford, Cheshire. Over five intensive days you’ll focus entirely on fundraising, working in small project teams and learning through live case studies, practical exercises and expert guidance.

You’ll leave with the elements for a clear, deliverable strategy. With follow-up coaching and 90 days of support you’ll be able to refine your thinking and strengthen your plans.

Benefit from 28+ key modules

Every NAFS programme is adapted from the results of your pre-programme questionnaire and your initial one to one coaching.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll increase your knowledge and confidence in different sources: individual giving; major donors; legacies; trusts; and commercial sponsorship. We’ll also share techniques and channels: endowments, capital campaigns, face to face, direct mail, proposals and online. Finally, we’ll help you shape all this into a sustainable strategy. Only the National Arts Fundraising School offers this integration.

Want to know more about the modules? Find out more here.

Awen Cultural Trust Logo
In the last week I have learnt lessons about marketing, organisational politics and customer relations on top of all of the fundraising approaches.
Johnny Dawson — Fundraising & Development Officer, Awen Cultural Trust

What do I get for my investment?

The in-person programme offers one to one coaching with an expert programme leader, access to the week-long programme, fully residential costs with all meals, 24/7 access to the learning portal, 90 days free follow up support, and your personal copy of the comprehensive 350-page manual. Your all-inclusive investment? £1499.00.

The Culture House Grimsby
The National Arts Fundraising School taught me how to approach philanthropists which has proved very useful, including making a clear case for support - the facilitators were highly knowledgeable and supportive. I have already made an approach to a major funder as a result of the course and feel a new sense of purpose.
Charlotte Bowen - Director, The Culture House & Birdhouse, Grimsby

Meet your personal coach

Throughout the School you’ll have a personal coach guiding you through the process. They’ll have one to one session with you before the school and after, plus small group sessions over the five weeks.

Want to know more about the coaching team?

Need all the detail in one place?

National Arts Fundraising School — In Person Typical Timetable PDF cover thumb

We’ve put together all the info on the In Person School content in one place. Why not download it to review or share with a colleague?

Download Timetable

Our 2026 programmes

13th-17th April 2026
In Person : residential + personal coaching
£1,499.00

On location at Mere Court Hotel in Knutsford UK.

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