Case study:Achates Fundraises: Stockroom

Martin Derbyshire, Executive Producer and CEO

Stockroom believes that the opportunity to explore creative potential and tell important stories on stage has been the privilege of too few, for too long. The organisation’s Writer’s Room is a disruptor model for developing new writing for theatre, making space in the industry for the communities who have been historically underrepresented. Stockroom works with partners to surface and tell the authentic stories which matter to regional communities, and which can change perceptions and politics, through a process of writer led co-creation and community engagement.

In November 2022, the organisation learned it would no longer be part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisation programme from 2023-2026, after many years of regular funding. As the organisation developed its new business model, which included exploring a move to a new home, it needed to quickly identify key opportunities to grow contributed income to support its future ambitions.

Achates worked with Stockroom between June and August 2023, to develop a Theory of Change for the organisation and create a decision-making framework and case for support toolkit which clearly articulated the audiences Stockroom is engaging now and, in the future, and the change being brought about. With this framework in place, Achates then led on the development of a Fundraising Snapshot to inform a 3-year strategy to raise and sustain voluntary income from statutory sources, trusts and foundations, corporates and individuals.