Grant funding can feel like a locked door, but in this episode we discover how a little recognition can be the key that opens it.
Debbie Gilbert is joined by Phoenix Humphreys, founder of Raise to Rise, who helps charities and community organisations secure funding in an ethical and sustainable way. Phoenix shares her unlikely route from a corporate facilities role into fundraising, describing the challenges of building a solo consultancy. We also talk AI and why human insight will always trump it in writing a persuasive grant bid.
She explains how charities and CICs become grant ready, and clarifies the difference between the two structures. Crucially, she discusses how entering business awards builds trust, visibility and even funding opportunities for good causes. Phoenix also reflects on her own award wins and reveals her long term ambition to launch her own grant giving foundation.
About Phoenix
Phoenix Humphreys is the Founder of Raise to Rise, a multi award-winning fundraising consultancy making expert fundraising support accessible and affordable for charities, CICs and community organisations across the UK.
Launched in 2024, Raise to Rise has grown from one client to supporting more than 40 charities and CICs nationwide, with 17 becoming long-term partners. For those partners, Phoenix has secured £495,868 in grant funding, creating an estimated £1.98 million in potential social value, benefiting vulnerable communities from care leavers to domestic abuse survivors.
A passionate sector advocate, Phoenix mentors emerging fundraisers and has delivered more than 80 free consultations. She is a Silver Award winner at the 2025 Best Business Women Awards, a 2024 Woman Who “One to Watch” winner, and features in the #iAlso100 list.
{2:10} Why Phoenix founded Raise to Rise.
{4:18} Phoenix’s corporate career.
{5:23} The greatest challenges of the first three years.
{6:35} Getting leads.
{9:52} How Raise to Rise helps charities and CICs.
{12:25} The right tools for researching appropriate grants.
{14:35} How organisations prepare to become grant ready.
{17:29} The difference between a charity and a CIC.
{19:06} How awards support grant applications.
{21:20} Why national awards can raise a charity’s exposure significantly.
{24:09} Harnessing the power of awards to grow Raise to Rise.
{26:09} Phoenix’s awards journey.
{30:07} Phoenix’s big dream for the future.
Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk
Connect with Phoenix: https://raisetorise.co.uk/
