January Opportunity Board

Hey ppl, Happy New Year! 👋🏽

Welcome to our first ourppls Opportunity Board of the year.

This board exists as a gentle nudge, not a demand. A place to find opportunities if you’re ready to hit the ground running — and just as importantly, a place to come back to when you’re moving at your own pace.

Over the past year, we’ve been listening to your feedback and refining how we share opportunities. This roundup has been designed to be more intuitive, clearer to navigate, and better at signposting — so you can quickly understand what’s for you, what isn’t, and where your energy might be best placed. So hopefully less guessing and way more clarity.

Whether you’re applying for everything in sight, bookmarking things for later, or simply browsing to remind yourself what’s possible — all of that counts. Progress doesn’t always look loud or linear. Sometimes it looks like curiosity. Sometimes it looks like waiting until the moment feels right.

So please take what you need and leave the rest (or share with a friend!)

We’ll keep walking alongside you, wherever you are in your journey. Wishing you a great year ahead!

We would love to hear from you too! What kind of opportunities would you like to see more of in 2026?

Our top tips for ourppl looking to apply to any funding or training opportunities:

💐 Know the Commitment

Check the time, location, and expectations. Be honest with yourself. Can you fully show up? Capacity is key.

💐 Lead with Your ‘Why’

Let your purpose speak. Whether it’s your community, your craft, or your growth; share what drives you and why this opportunity matters to you. This will help your artistic voice and unique identity shine through and separate you from other applicants.

💐 Connect the Dots

How does this programme or fund help you grow—creatively, personally, or professionally? Say it clearly. Funders want to back potential and a plan.

💐 Be Clear on What You Need

Is it mentorship, space, funding, connection? Spell it out. This shows self-awareness and makes it easier for selectors to advocate for you.

💐 Ask for Feedback Before You Submit

A friend, mentor, or peer can catch what you’ve missed. Or, read your application out loud, it works wonders.

💐 Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

If something doesn’t make sense—ask. Most opportunities want you to reach out.

💐 Read the Brief Twice—Then Once More

It sounds obvious, but knowing exactly what’s being asked gives you a major edge.

💐 Build on Your Wins

Refer to past projects, learnings, or community impact—even small ones. Growth shows trajectory.

💐 Keep a Bank of Past Applications

Save your old answers, bios, project descriptions. Future-you will thank you.

💐 Your Story Matters—Tell It Authentically

You don’t need to sound like anyone else. Use your voice. That’s what makes your application stand out.