Charity Open Day: The Social for Good Content Lab + AI for Bid Writing

Charity Open Day: The Social for Good Content Lab + AI for Bid Writing

A practical, in-person day for East Sussex charities and CICs. Sharpen your content with The Social for Good Content Lab (Social for Good), then draft stronger funding bids in AI for Bid Writing (Gareth, AI Potential). Lunch networking and an open tour of Sussex Innovation included. Free tickets, limited places. ✨

Why this event 🎯

Step out of the day-to-day and into a focused, hands-on open day built for purpose-led organisations. You’ll learn budget-friendly ways to create content that actually lands, then see how AI can turn funder criteria plus your charity facts into clearer, faster bid answers -without losing your voice or breaching good practice.

This day is about doing, not just talking. Expect live demos, structured exercises, peer learning, and takeaways you can use straight away.

Who it’s for 👥

• Charity comms & marketing leads
• Fundraisers (including those wearing a comms hat)
• CEOs/Directors of small charities who need practical tools fast
• Programme or operations staff who help with bids or content

If you’re time-poor, budget-conscious and impact-driven, you’re in the right place.

What you’ll leave with 📦

• A one-page Content North Star (purpose, audiences, themes, success markers)
• 10–15 fresh content ideas mapped to your goals and channels
• 3 “ready-to-draft” outlines (story post, email update, campaign explainer)
• An AI prompt pack + plain-English CUPPA review checklist to de-jargon and tighten copy
• One improved answer to a funder question and a donor/update email you can adapt
• Access to a free Getting Started with AI mini-course
• New contacts across the local charity community

About Sussex Innovation (venue & host) 🏢

Sussex Innovation is a community, workspace and support hub on the University of Sussex campus in Falmer (near Brighton). We help purpose-driven organisations grow through:

• Flexible space: coworking, offices and meeting rooms
• Expert support: mentoring, funding guidance and practical workshops
• A collaborative community: founders, charities, researchers and partners
• Easy access: 🚆 Falmer station (5–7 min walk) • 🚗 limited on-site parking • step-free access

Come for the workshops, stay to explore how we can support your mission.

About the workshops 🛠️

The Social for Good Content Lab (Workshop 1)

An inspiring, interactive session for charity communicators who want to create smarter, more impactful content (without burning out). You’ll explore what makes content effective today and leave with tools to plan with purpose — not just post for the sake of it.
Expect: space to think differently; collaborative challenges that spark creativity; confidence to make strategic choices; practical tips to engage your audience and bring colleagues/trustees on board.

AI for Bid Writing (Workshop 2)

A hands-on session showing how generative AI can speed up and strengthen funding applications. Learn responsible use (GDPR/confidentiality), see live demos, and draft better answers, faster - while keeping your charity’s authentic tone.
We’ll cover: turning criteria into a clear outline; drafting and refining answers; adding evidence and outcomes; reducing “AI-ness”; and quick automations (minutes, summaries, follow-ups).

Speakers 🎤

Kerry Watkins - Founder & MD, Social for Good
Kerry leads a B Corp social media agency working exclusively with charities, NGOs and purpose-driven organisations. Since 2010 she’s advised campaigns across gender equality, modern slavery, healthcare and the arts, growing an 11-strong team of specialists. She also champions the four-day week and digital wellbeing via 24/Six, helping people build healthier, more intentional relationships with technology.

Gareth Kemp - Co-Founder, AI Potential
A leading trainer in generative AI, Gareth has helped teams in 100+ organisations use AI confidently and responsibly. After a career in international business development — working with senior leaders at brands like Etsy and Spotify — he pivoted in 2023 to focus entirely on practical AI skills for non-technical teams, demystifying the hype and delivering tangible results.

What to bring 🧰

• Laptop or tablet (for the AI session)
• One recent/upcoming bid question or funder criteria
• 5–10 key facts about your charity (mission, outcomes, beneficiaries, stats)
• A recent content piece or campaign you’d like to improve (optional)

Practical info 📍

• Date & time: Thu 23 Oct 2025, 10:00–16:00 (arrivals from 10:00)
• Location: Sussex Innovation, Falmer
• Tickets: Free, limited capacity. Priority for East Sussex charities/CICs.
• Catering: Tea/coffee on arrival and buffet lunch (veg/vegan/GF options)

Tickets — how to book 🎟️

Choose Full Day or book just one workshop:

• Full Day Pass (10:00–16:00): Both workshops + lunch networking + open tour.

• Morning Workshop only (10:40–12:00): The Social for Good Content Lab + lunchtime tour (during 12:00–13:00). Lunch not included.

• Afternoon Workshop only (13:00–15:00): AI for Bid Writing + afternoon tour (15:00–16:00). Lunch not included.

Please note: Lunch is provided only for Full Day ticket holders.

Accessibility ♿

Step-free access throughout; a quiet space is available on request. Let us know any access needs or dietary requirements at checkout and we’ll confirm arrangements.