In June 2026, Fundraising Unit successfully completed an internal workshop series aimed at strengthening knowledge and skills related to the preparation of competitive EU-funded project proposals. Through a series of interactive sessions, participants explored the key stages of the proposal development process, gaining practical knowledge and exchanging experiences in a collaborative learning environment.
The workshop series began with an introduction to the European funding landscape, providing participants with an overview of the main EU funding programmes and practical guidance on using the Funding & Tenders Portal to identify relevant funding opportunities. The following sessions focused on the essential components of successful proposal preparation. Participants gained practical insights into project budgeting, including budget planning, cost categories, and common challenges in developing realistic and credible financial plans. They also explored how to navigate different funding schemes, interpret call documents, and assess funding opportunities based on strategic fit, eligibility requirements, and organisational capacity.
Recognising the importance of collaboration in European projects, dedicated workshops addressed networking strategies and consortium building. Participants discussed approaches for developing professional connections, identifying suitable partners, and forming balanced consortia capable of delivering high-quality and impactful project proposals.
The series concluded with sessions on collaborative proposal writing, covering the principles of developing competitive proposals, aligning project objectives with call requirements, structuring proposal content effectively, and clearly communicating project impact. Through practical examples and discussions, participants explored common challenges and best practices for improving proposal quality and competitiveness.
Overall, the workshop series provided a comprehensive overview of the proposal development process, equipping participants with practical knowledge that can support future participation in European research and innovation funding opportunities. Beyond the technical content, the sessions fostered knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the exchange of experiences across the team.
The workshop series will resume in September with additional topics and new opportunities for learning, collaboration, and professional development. More information about the upcoming workshop series will be shared at the beginning of September through our website and LinkedIn page.
