Bid and research manager jobs

Help secure the future of a 120-year-old youth charity At The Shewsy, we support over 100 children and young people every day in one of the most deprived communities in the UK. Founded in 1903, we provide meals, mentoring, and a safe space, but more importantly, we build relationships that change lives. Our motto is “People Matter More Than Things".

We are now looking for a brilliant Fundraising & Engagement Manager to help us take the next step in building a stronger, more sustainable funding base so we can reach even more young people.

Salary: £40,000 per annum 

Hours: 37 hours per week (flexible working available and could offer 0.8) 

Contract type: Permanent

Benefits:  

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• NEST Pension 

• Benefits & Discount Portal 

• 22 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays 

• Professional Training & Development

The Role (and why it matters) This isn’t just about writing bids behind a desk. It’s about being a visible, energetic advocate for The Shewsy. You will champion our work face-to-face, engaging our local Everton community while nurturing our historic, vital ties with Shrewsbury School and the Old Salopian network. You will balance persuasive in-person communication with high-quality grant writing to unlock new opportunities and bring ideas to life.

What you’ll be doing

Building Relationships & Community Engagement

• Actively network and build face-to-face relationships with local businesses, community members, and potential corporate partners.

• Nurture and expand our vital relationship with the Shrewsbury School community and Old Salopians to encourage legacy giving, regular donations, and matched-giving support.

• Champion and support community fundraising events and campaigns, including our highly successful Big Give Christmas Challenge.

Securing Grant Funding

• Build and manage a £200,000+ annual funding pipeline by researching and applying for grants from trusts and foundations.

• Write high-quality, compelling, and tailored funding applications.

• Maintain a live pipeline of funders, tracking applications, success rates, and deadlines.

Telling Our Story Powerfully

• Turn powerful frontline youth work into compelling narratives for both written bids and in-person presentations.

• Work with staff to capture impact, stories, and data to strengthen how we evidence our outcomes.

What success looks like (Year 1)

• Strong, active relationships established with the Shrewsbury School community, Old Salopians, and local Everton stakeholders.

• A £200k+ funding pipeline established and actively managed.

• Consistent monthly/quarterly bid submissions balancing quick wins with strategic applications.

• Increased repeat funding, multi-year grants, and diversified community income.

Who we’re looking for You might already be a community fundraiser, a bid writer looking to step out from behind the screen, or someone ready to step up.

Essential

• Exceptional in-person communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences from local residents to major donors.

• Experience writing successful grant applications in the charity sector.

• A track record of securing funding from trusts, foundations, or major donors.

• Highly organised, able to balance desk-based bid writing with out-and-about relationship building.

• Ability to work independently and make things happen.

Desirable

• Experience in youth, community, or social impact organisations.

• Knowledge of the Liverpool funding landscape.

• Experience with community campaigns or matched-funding appeals (e.g., the Big Give).

The kind of person who thrives here

• You care deeply about young people and social impact.

• You are proactive, outgoing, and don’t wait to be told what to do.

• You spot opportunities others miss and can turn a conversation into a compelling bid or a new partnership.

• You want your work to actually make a difference.

About Spear

We launched the award-winning Spear Programme over 20 years ago, and there are now 18 Spear Centres across the country, equipping unemployed 16–24-year-olds facing barriers to employment with the skills and mindset they need to secure work and thrive in the workplace.

Spear operates a joint venture model with churches across the UK to run our Spear Centres. Some Centres operate in collaboration with independent charitable trusts, while others are run directly with the local church (both referred to below as ‘Spear Church Partners’ or ‘Church Partners’).

About the role

We’re looking for a new Church Partnerships Manager to join us for this northern based role, with travel across the region.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in driving national growth by developing and nurturing partnerships with churches across the North of England. You will be at the forefront of developing new relationships with potential early-stage partners, inspiring churches to engage with our mission, and supporting them through the pipeline, and helping to establish a diverse and thriving network of church partnerships.

We are looking for a confident relationship-builder who can engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders, particularly church leaders, and who is comfortable working in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Key information:

• Salary: £37,000
• Location: Regional travel in the North, Hybrid
• Full-time, 12-14month Fixed Term Contract, with the possibility of extension
• Closing date: Friday 10th April, 09.00am (we interview on a rolling basis and will close the role early if we find the right candidate)

For more information please read through our Job Specification and Work with Us Pack.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Person Specification

• A practising Christian, passionate about personally representing the values and beliefs of Spear, and our mission to equip and support young people facing barriers to employment
• Strong leadership ability with the confidence to make effective decisions
• Outstanding people skills and emotional intelligence, capable of quickly winning trust and confidence, as well as network, influence and negotiate with church leaders and a range of audiences, internally and externally
• An understanding of the needs and workings of churches and their leaders, and the ability to innovate, build our growth strategy and generate new partnerships
• An excellent communicator (both written and verbal)
• Excellent initiative and a self-starter, with the ability to operate flexibly in a changing and dynamic environment and in response to the support needs of each partner
• Strong organisational skills including the ability to establish appropriate processes and structures and to manage multiple priorities to meet targets and deadlines
• Strong quantitative skills including ability to work with and interpret impact data, fundraising pipelines and basic financial information
• Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint competent and experience of/ability to use databases

Centre 404 is looking for an experienced and ambitious Fundraising & Engagement Manager to lead and grow our fundraising and engagement activity—helping us provide vital support to people with learning disabilities and their families. 

You will oversee the development and delivery of innovative fundraising initiatives, donor stewardship, and engagement campaigns, ensuring sustainable growth and increased visibility for the organisation.  As an expert in your field, you will work collaboratively across teams and with external partners, to champion Centre 404’s mission within local communities and beyond.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of Centre 404’s fundraising strategy and drive innovative approaches across individual giving, corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, and community fundraising.  You will play a key role in shaping our income generation, increasing our visibility, and maximising our impact.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead Fundraising Strategy - develop and deliver a dynamic fundraising strategy across multiple income streams. Identify new opportunities and drive year‑on‑year income growth.
• Engage & Inspire Supporters - build strong relationships with donors, corporate partners, and local communities.  Create compelling fundraising campaigns, events, and cases for support. Nurture long‑term supporter loyalty, including legacy and in‑memory giving.
• Secure Grants & Manage Bids - research and secure funding from trusts and foundations.  Monitor reporting requirements and maintain excellent funder relationships.
• Grow Community & Corporate Partnerships - network widely to raise Centre 404’s profile.  Secure financial support, gifts in kind and employee engagement.  Support individuals and teams to succeed in their own fundraising efforts.
• Strengthen Communications & Impact - work with the Communications Team to create engaging digital content and newsletters.  Champion consistent, mission‑driven messaging across all platforms.
• Lead with Purpose - Embed a fundraising culture across the organisation.  Implement a CRM system to manager data effectively. Contribute to organisational strategy as a member of the management team.

About You

• Substantial experience in fundraising from at least one of the following: trusts and foundations, corporates or individual giving.
• Substantial understanding of charity sector regulations, compliance requirements, and ethical fundraising standards.
• Knowledge of donor stewardship and supporter engagement strategies.
• A track record of achieving and exceeding fundraising targets.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to craft persuasive proposals and campaigns.
• Excellent project management, data monitoring, and CRM experience.
• A proactive, innovative mindset and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Centre 404 is a warm, values‑driven organisation with a rich history of supporting people with learning disabilities for over 70 years. We are collaborative, ambitious, and committed to creating life‑changing impact for families across North London. We will provide a detailed induction and on-going training and support. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and we are looking to recruit people who share these values. All offers of employment are subject to a relevant DBS check, proof of eligibility to work in the UK and satisfactory references covering a five year period.

We are dedicated to providing a meaningful and rewarding work environment, as well as offering a range of perks and benefits for our staff to enjoy.

Centre 404 is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Charity ref number 299889

At Limehouse Project we are seeking a passionate and driven Development and Income Manager to lead and grow our fundraising and income generation activities at an exciting and critical time for the organisation.

This is a newly created role, designed to help secure the long-term sustainability of the Limehouse Project. You will play a central role in shaping our future - developing and delivering a strategic, diversified income plan that ensures we can continue providing life-changing support and frontline services to the communities we serve.

Working closely with our CEO and Senior Management Team, you will take the lead on generating income from a variety of sources - including trusts and foundations, statutory tenders, corporate partnerships, and individual giving. You’ll identify new opportunities, nurture strong relationships with funders and partners, and help unlock the potential of our organisation as we grow our impact.

We’re looking for someone with a strong track record in fundraising and income generation within the voluntary or community sector, who shares our commitment to empowering local people and creating opportunities for all. If you’re strategic, creative, and motivated by making a tangible difference, we will love to hear from you.

The Stuart Low Trust (SLT) is a well-respected and award-winning charity based in Islington supporting people who experience mental health issues and socially isolated.SLT was created to be radically different from other mental health charities – uniquely accessible, inclusive and community-embedded. You will be joining a small friendly team, where we care about staff wellbeing.We believe in trusting the expertise of our staff and giving them the freedom to thrive with regular help on hand when needed. 

We support over 500 adults per year through social groups -creative arts, nature-based activities, wellbeing workshops and peer support.90% of participants report improved mental health and wellbeing. 

Why Join Us?  
This is an opportunity to play an important role in a small but impactful charity.  Your work will directly enable adults experiencing isolation to access safe, creative and life-affirming activities. Perfect for someone who thrives in a small charity where you can see the impact of your work every week. 

Who we are seeking 
We are seeking a Fundraising Manager, who enjoys writing grant applications and building strong relationships with supporters. Working closely with the Chief Executive, you will have a primary focus working on our trusts and foundations pipeline, while generating around 10% of total income from other sources. We are realistic what is possible in 21 hours per week! 

We are seeking a fundraiser who combines: 

• A strong track record securing trust and foundation income 
• Excellent bid-writing skills 
• Experience generating income beyond trusts (corporate, community or individual) 
• Comfortable working autonomously in a small team 
• Experience in a mental health organisation or small charity is desirable but not essential.

Summary role description 

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will: 

Lead Trusts and Foundations Income 

• Develop a pipeline of grant funders to apply to. 
• Write compelling, high-quality applications.. 
• Deepen funder relationships to secure repeat grants. 

Raise income from other sources 

Work with the Chief Executive to generate income from other sources with a realistic and achievable target of 10% total income via:

• Corporate partnerships in Islington, King’s Cross tech, creative industries and the City. 
• Community and individual giving, especially among affluent local residents. 

Build sustainable systems to support fundraising 

• ​Strengthen stewardship journeys including donor tracking systems and explore use of AI tools. 
• Contribute to fundraising communications and our profile-building. 

Why this Role is Different 
You will be stepping into an organisation in a strong position to build on: 

• Multi-year funding security (63% of next year’s income already secured through multi-year grants, 4 months’ free reserves, annual income circa £250k). 
• Trusted funders include City Bridge Foundation, Garfield Weston, Sport England and leading City Livery Companies. 
• Strategic Plan 2024–28 with clear goals. 
• Excellent impact measurement systems. 
• A highly experienced Chief Executive with 30 years in the charity sector. 
• A collaborative and supportive team, who understand fundraising is everyone’s responsibility. 

What You’ll Gain 

• Real autonomy and ownership 
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Occupational pension scheme 
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Access to training and development opportunities 
• Supportive management culture 
• A genuinely collaborative, values-led culture 

Location
Based at Jean Stokes Community Centre, Islington (5 minutes by bus from King’s Cross) 

Application instructions
Please note, while we appreciate the value of AI tools, we strongly prefer that applicants prepare their supporting statements for this purpose with minimal use of AI.This helps us to better understand your authentic voice, skills and motivation for this role.Thank you. 

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and two satisfactory references. 

We are embrace diversity, equality of opportunity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that represents are variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.The more inclusive we are, the more we can achieve. 

Deadline for applications: Sunday, 5th April 2026 at 12midnight
Interviews: Monday, 20th April 2026 
Estimated Start:June/July 2026 

Salary: £52,000 per annum.

Location: Hybrid Work Culture. We are proud to promote a truly hybrid work culture, recognising that every role is different, and everyone has unique needs and preferences. Our Hybrid Work Arrangement empowers each team member to work with their manager to choose the most effective way to work that balances your needs and Hospice UK’s.

For this role, we expect someone to come into the office for two or more days a week. One of those days would be a Tuesday when Income Generation & Grants colleagues come into the office. You can work remotely for the rest of the time, but equally, you may prefer to work from the office full-time. You can discuss your preferences as they meet our business needs with your line manager at the start of your employment. You will also need to be available for some out of hours events in the evenings.

Contractually this role is London-based.

Contract: Permanent.  Full time role - 35 hours per week.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 2 years (+ an extra 10 days on each 5th year). Pro rata for part time hours
• Matched pension scheme up to 7% of salary
• Healthcare plan
• Support for staff with caring responsibilities
• Family-friendly culture

How to apply: CV and supporting statement - using Hospice UK’s supporting statement document – available on our website to download.

Closing date for applications: 10:00am on Sunday 29 March 2026.

Job Information:

The Role

This is an exciting time to join Hospice UK!  We are growing significantly as a charity and our brand awareness and profile has never been higher. 

You will have already proven you can raise significant funds from trusts and foundations and are now looking to develop your skillset and deepen your experience in an exciting new role. This is a great opportunity if you are ambitious and have the passion to excel. Hybrid working is part of the deal too, so you will be looking to work between time in the office and home.

As our Senior Philanthropy Manager we see you maximising the capacity of our well-established portfolio of warm trusts and foundations of all sizes via bespoke proposals and relationship management. You’ll also be developing exciting new business opportunities as we continue to grow our ambitious but achievable targets, with major income already pledged for future years. 

You will have the chance to work with large funders like the National Lottery, Wolfson Foundation, Masonic Charitable Foundation and others. You’ll be writing complex applications to secure new, multi-year income for interesting and fundable projects, as well as growing our pipeline of unrestricted income for the charity.

You will also be supporting the Head of Philanthropy and Philanthropy Manager (major donors) as well as line-managing the Philanthropy Assistant.

The Team

We are a supportive and collaborative team of four, focussed on delivering over £1.5M per year from trusts and major donors. Hospice UK offers a vibrant and rewarding work environment with a great culture of sharing, learning, social activities, and regular meet-ups. We work collaboratively, support each other, commiserate our failures and celebrate our successes!

At Hospice UK you will have the structure, support and opportunities to develop a stellar track-record and work towards your career goals. We pride ourselves as one of the best in the sector for providing excellent development and training opportunities for our fundraisers.

About You

You are a positive, creative, and proactive individual who embraces the challenge of a diverse portfolio. With success in cultivating new relationships, as well as managing existing donors, you will have the drive to succeed as a self-starter with excellent written and verbal communication skills. You’ll already have great database and prospect research skills, and pride yourself on your organisation and attention to detail. 

You will be able to quickly form relationships with internal and external partners, and act as a representative for Hospice UK. You will have a track record of generating income and hitting your targets through high quality applications and excellent reporting and account management.

More information is available in the candidate information pack, which is available on our website to download.

Women’s Work is a National Award Winning Charity founded in 2003. We aim to deliver a holistic, person centred support service to vulnerable and disadvantaged women with complex health and social needs. We do this by ensuring they can access support, education and information to raise self-esteem and confidence, empowering them to make positive life choices resulting in improved health and wellbeing.

We are seeking a talented, motivated and highly organised Business Development Manager to join our Senior Management Team and play a key role in supporting the organisation’s growth, sustainability and financial resilience.

The Role

This is predominantly an office-based role working closely with the Finance Manager and under the guidance of the CEO, with a strong focus on:

• Bid writing, tender submissions, commissioning applications and grant funding
• Identifying, securing and managing new funding opportunities
• Supporting financial planning, allocation to funded projects
• Fundraising and promoting the charity in the local community

You will lead on the development and continuation of the project-specific funding, ensuring bids and applications align with Women’s Work’s strategic objectives and future expansion plans.

Working collaboratively with the Finance Manager, you will review funding streams, develop robust applications and contribute to the effective financial management of funded activities. You will liaise with businesses, statutory bodies, organisations, community groups and charities to identify and secure new income opportunities, partnerships and sponsorships.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, identify and secure new funding opportunities, grants and tenders
• Lead and co-ordinate high-quality bid writing, commissioning and tender submissions
• Support the Finance Manager with funding reviews, budgets and financial monitoring
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with funders, partners and stakeholders
• Contribute to organisational planning, sustainability and income diversification
• Ensure funding requirements, reporting and compliance are met
• Event planning/identify and co-ordinate fundraising opportunities

About You

The successful applicant will be self-motivated, detail-focused and high organized, with strong project management and communication skills. You will be able to work collaboratively while also managing competing priorities independently.

You will also be able to demonstrate:

• Proven experience in bid writing, tenders and/or commissioning
• A track record of pro-active business development, ideally within the charity or voluntary sector
• Strong relationship-building skills across multiple sectors
• Empathy and a clear commitment to Women’s Work values, aims and objectives

Additional Information
An Enhanced DBS check will be required.
Ref: BDM

Age UK Hammersmith and Fulham works to improve the quality of life and enhance the status and influence of older people. From now on, we intend to diversify our income, particularly from unrestricted sources, to sustain and develop our work. The role works closely with the CEO to develop the fundraising strategy and reporting to the Fundraising Subcommittee.

An experienced and talented Fundraising Manager who can develop and execute an effective fundraising strategy to deliver growth across a wide range of existing and new income streams.

You will have the proven ability to research and develop winning fundraising applications, negotiate sponsorship deals and develop and maintain positive relationships with donors. A natural multi-tasker, you will have the flexibility to manage a varied workload, juggling responsibility for meeting bid deadlines, ensuring delivery of fundraising events, reporting to funders and managing key corporate accounts. With attention to detail and excellent written and verbal presentation, you will also have the negotiation and project management skills to co-ordinate the production of complex bids and budgets.

Fundraising Leadership Structure
Overall leadership, accountability, and ownership of fundraising strategy and outcomes sit with the Chief Executive. The Fundraising Manager provides strategic, operational, and relationship‑driven support within this CEO‑led framework, ensuring delivery of high‑quality fundraising activity, insight, and stewardship.

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone should be able to live a fulfilling life, regardless of how severely mental illness affects them. Our services are growing — and so is our ambition. That’s why we’re looking for a passionate and skilled Business Development Manager to help us shape the future of our charity and the support we provide.

About the role

As our Business Development Manager, you’ll play a key role in sustaining and expanding the services that make a real difference to people severely affected by mental illness. You’ll bring teams together, write with clarity and purpose, and lead the end‑to‑end bid development process — ensuring we continue to deliver high‑quality, impactful support where it’s needed most.

You’ll champion collaboration, draw on the expertise of colleagues across the charity, and craft compelling, evidence‑based proposals that reflect who we are and what we stand for. From early development to final submission, you’ll help us win and retain contracts that directly improve lives.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the end‑to‑end development of bids, retenders, and proposals in line with internal quality standards.
• Working collaboratively with teams across Rethink Mental Illness, building strong relationships and creating connected ways of working.
• Supporting and managing Bid Development Officers.
• Contributing to regional business development plans and helping shape sustainable, innovative service models.
• Writing high‑quality, insightful submissions that articulate our strengths, capabilities, and lived‑experience approach.
• Developing early-stage budget models and working with Finance and HR to finalise financials ahead of submission.
• Generating insight through data, evidence, and internal expertise to create winning proposals.
• Researching competitors and identifying what makes Rethink Mental Illness stand out.
• Supporting successful bids through structured handovers and mobilisation.
• Contributing to continuous improvement through feedback, learning, and maintaining our Bid Library.

What you’ll bring

Essential

• A strong track record of writing successful competitive bids or proposals.
• Excellent writing, critical thinking, and communication skills.
• The ability to interpret complex tender documents and understand commissioner expectations.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to unite diverse teams.
• Knowledge of commissioning, current legislation, and best practice in mental health and social care.
• Experience constructing budgets and modelling service assumptions.
• Strong organisational and project‑management abilities, with flexibility to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and excellent general IT skills.
• A values‑driven approach consistent with Rethink Mental Illness’ ethos.

Desirable

• Experience working within mental health, health, or social care sectors.
• Lived or professional experience related to mental health and wellbeing.

Why Rethink Mental Illness?

When you join us, you’re not just taking on a role — you’re becoming part of a movement.
A movement committed to improving the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through high‑quality services, innovation, and compassionate support.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive team where your growth and wellbeing matter, and where your work has a clear, direct impact.

Based at Head Office, in Saunderton near High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, with flexible hybrid working

35 hours per week – Full-time/part-time could be considered

About Us

National charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, trains dogs to transform the lives of deaf people and provides hearing loss services – because nobody with hearing loss should feel alone.

About The Role

Overview:

• Working as part of the Trusts and Foundations department, you will help to deliver the objectives and income targets through your work with Trusts and Foundations.
• Reporting to the Head of Trusts and Foundations, you will work as part of a high-achieving, small but busy department.
• You will be able to develop relationships with colleagues in the wider teams, senior staff, Hearing Dogs trustees, external trusts and foundation managers and administrators.
• To be able to make bids and write applications to maximise financial support from charitable trusts and foundations, philanthropists and major donors.
• A good knowledge of Trusts and Foundation fundraising and experience of delivering excellent stewardship with external stakeholders.
• The Trusts and Foundations team has a target of £1.3m in 2026-27, growing to £2.1m by 2029-30.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Support the Head of Trusts and Foundations to achieve annual targets, including meeting a personal income target each year.
2. Create and deliver high-quality applications for grant funding for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and Hearing Link Services, creating a synergy of combined applications to maximise income for both areas of our work.
3. Investigate new projects that may be funded by applying for new restricted grants.
4. Develop relationships with colleagues in fundraising, dog operation team, senior staff, Hearing Dogs Trustees, external Trusts and Foundation managers and administrators.
5. Research the market and develop market knowledge. Establish new partnerships with Trusts, using all relevant and appropriate research techniques to understand their grant-giving criteria.
6. Write and produce compelling trust applications and update reports; to ensure all trusts funding applications are relevant, timely and produced to the highest standard.
7. Record all information on CRM, maintain records and keep records up to date, ensuring future actions are also recorded.
8. Excellent knowledge of database processes and ability to support the team with statistical information.
9. Create reports for income and ensure all templates are up to date.
10. Provide comprehensive funding information to Head of Trusts and Foundations and Director of Income Generation, and regular reporting and recommendations on future funding opportunities.
11. Account manage Trust and Foundation relationships, ensuring the trust receives updates and reports on time.
12. Work collaboratively with colleagues in the Corporate Partnerships and Philanthropy departments to identify opportunities to secure new donors, for example where a major donor may have their own family foundation or where Trusts can attend major donor events.
13. Work closely with the Prospect Research Manager to build a personal pipeline of new Trusts and Foundations.
14. Work closely with the Case for Support and Impact Manager to develop tailored cases and proposals and high-quality reporting with a focus on outcomes and impact. 

About You

The following attributes are considered essential for the job:

• Minimum 3 years' experience in Trusts and foundations fundraising
• Experience of working in the charity Sector
• Excellent and persuasive writing skills and a sharp eye for details
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Experience of large-scale bid writing for specific projects over multiple years

The following attributes are considered desirable for the job:

• Formal training or a qualification in fundraising

Please note: This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 due to its duties involving the protection of children and/or adults at risk. Applicants are therefore required to disclose all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands, as well as any relevant non-conviction information. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with the Police Act 1997 (Part V).

Please apply by providing your CV and Cover Letter by 3rd April 2026.

SMART CJS – Trust and Foundations Bid Writer

Role Overview

Are you committed to supporting people who are homeless or rough sleeping?

Are you proactive with a positive attitude?

Job Title: Trust and Foundations Bid Writer (with some responsibility for corporate fundraising)

The salary will be in the range of £36,000 to £42,000.

Hours: 37 hours per week

Term: Permanent

Location: Working from our office in central Bedford, with some provision for remote working.

About SMART CJS

Founded in 1997, we are a charity that provides safe spaces for people who are facing or experiencing homelessness, are rough sleeping or have fallen on tough times. As times have changed, our services have adapted and grown, but we’ve always kept the people we support at the centre of all that we do. We believe that everyone needs a little help sometimes and, with trust, respect and honesty, people can make incredible changes. Our vision is to transform communities so that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential, participate in and contribute to all aspects of life. Our mission is to provide safe spaces to work with vulnerable people within our communities, empowering them to make positive changes and take control of their lives.

Why Join Us?

We believe in diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Benefits include:

• 27 days Annual Leave (rising to 30 after 3 years) + Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Generous Pension scheme (after successfully completing a probation period)
• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• Access to a Charity Worker Discount scheme
• Access to the company health and wellbeing service including support with mental health, legal advice and more
• Access to an online GP service

We require all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This job description will be supplemented by annual objectives which will be developed in conjunction with the post holder.

The Role

SMART CJS is looking to recruit a Trusts and Foundations Bid Writer. The successful candidate will also have some responsibility for corporate fundraising with businesses based in Bedford and beyond; this responsibility will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

The main responsibility, though, will be to generate income by writing bids to charitable trusts and foundations, and to statutory funders.

The role will include researching and identifying charity trusts and similar bodies which are able to make an award to SMART. It will also include keeping abreast of developments in fundraising in the charity sector as a whole, especially in the field of grant awarding and, to a lesser extent, of corporate giving.

There will be a probationary period for the role. As it generally takes six months for a grant to be awarded (though some arrive more quickly), the probationary period will need to be for a minimum of seven months, though its precise duration can be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Training will be given; the scope of the training will depend on the candidate’s previous experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to join SMART’s friendly and dedicated team. You’ll need to be able to manage your time effectively; the role is primarily self-directed. We envisage that you’ll be working primarily from our offices in Prebend Street, Bedford, though you'll be able to work from home for some of the time as well. Given the nature of our work, personal resilience is important; some of the stories we use when applying for funding can be emotionally challenging.

Our fundraising comes from regular gifts, donations from the community (individuals and groups), and corporate bodies (businesses). The majority of our fundraising income comes from grants. There will be a realistic target for the amount you need to raise; this will reflect the performance for grant applications in the charity sector as a whole and it will not be unrealistic. Fundraising is not an exact science; the assessment of performance against the targets will be fair and reasonable. The final responsibility for SMART’s fundraising rests with the trustees; they appreciate and understand the complexity of the issues involved.

Main Purpose of the Role

You will work closely with the CEO, the Chair of Trustees, the Head of Business and the fundraising team. The post involves gathering information, writing the bids, tracking the progress of submissions, and reporting back to grant awarders on how their money has been spent, if they require this.

There will also be a responsibility for corporate fundraising. This will involve building relationships with businesses in and beyond the Bedford area. The responsibility for this will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Bid Writing

• Research and identify suitable grant and funding opportunities from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies.
• Write and submit high-quality funding applications and proposals in line with SMART’s strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively with service leads and front line teams to gather accurate, up-to-date data and service information for applications.
• Tailor the applications to the funder’s criteria, using storytelling effectively.
• Manage a pipeline of applications and submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and income targets are tracked.
• Maintain and build relationships with key funders, providing timely reports and updates on grant-funded work.
• Work to realistic targets and be able to provide feedback on these.
• Organisational Development and Support
• Contribute to the strategic development of SMART’s income generation plans.
• Support development of strong internal bid and grant management systems.
• Monitor success rates and provide monthly reporting on funding performance to the Head of Business and to the Chair of Trustees.
• Represent SMART CJS at funding briefings, webinars, and networking opportunities where appropriate.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in SMART’s performance management and appraisal process.
• Attend the monthly meetings of the Fundraising Committee (a sub‑committee of the Board of Trustees).
• Comply with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role, as required by the CEO, the Head of Business or the Chair of Trustees.

Person Specification

Whether you’re already an experienced bid-writer, or whether you think this is something that you could learn to do effectively, we’d like to hear from you. You need to have excellent skills in written English and be able to write in prose that’s clear and readily understandable to the general reader. The criteria for each grant awarder are different; you need to be able to match your bid to what they would like to fund (homelessness, mental health, relief of poverty, women’s issues and so on). You need, then, to tell SMART’s story in a way which appeals to each funder.

You need to have excellent inter-personal skills and be able to work as part of a team. While there is a strong element of self-direction in the role, you need to be able to work closely with senior management and also with the trustees; the trustees have the final responsibility for fundraising in the charity.

You will need, too, to have a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to have a genuine interest in homelessness and the work of the charity, and a commitment to improving our clients’ lives and wellbeing.

Are you passionate about supporting and improving the lives of marginalised young people and their families? Think of yourself as super-organised? Want a role where no day will look the same? Then read on as this could be the job for you!

Ignite Life is a small, grassroots charity based in Bristol that aims to support young people and families overcome adversity by providing holistic care tailored to individual needs.

Ignite Life believes that every young person, regardless of their background, deserves equal access to support services to thrive.

We work with our community, with other organisations and with schools to reach those deemed 'hard to reach' and help close the gap disadvantaged young people face when accessing support. Ignite focuses on relieving the needs of disadvantaged and/or marginalised young people through supporting with wellbeing and mental health, educational support, food poverty, family support, access to sport and other life changing opportunities.

Ignite Life offers a range of services including mentoring, talking therapy, 1:1 Counselling for young people and families, food support, cooking workshops and community events

About the role

As the Operations Manager, accountable to the Board of Trustees, you will be responsible for the day to day running of all activities in relation to the operation of Ignite Life. You will ensure the provision of high-quality services and compliance with contractual and organisational standards, as well as working in partnership with the Fundraising Manager to ensure income generation for the charity.

This is a full-time, permanent position based at our office in Staple Hill, Bristol BS15. Whilst the post is mainly office based; there is some flexibility for hybrid working.

If you're committed to making a positive difference to the lives of people in our local community and want to bring your excellent organisational skills to a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

As the Operations Manager you will:

● Have operational leadership of the charity, ensuring day to day systems and practices are in good order and operating efficiently and effectively

● Support the Board of Trustees to set annual goals for Ignite Life

● Being the Designated Safeguard Lead for all of Ignite Life’s services.

● In partnership with the Fundraising Manager, ensure a consistent fundraising strategy for the charity is in place, including developing new partnerships and funding streams.

● Taking overall responsibility for the charity’s Health and Safety, and GDPR.

● Have oversight of charity’s financial position, including budgeting and updating managed accounts.

● Provide leadership for the core team of staff and volunteers (around 39 – 5 contracted counsellors and 1 clinical supervisor, 1 full-time employed staff member, 13 volunteers, 14-20 contracted youth mentors).

● Undertake regular and effective reporting to the Trustees.

● Manage annual reporting with the Charity Commission.

About You:
We're looking for someone who is extremely organised, can confidently manage a busy workload while building strong relationships with staff, volunteers and other agencies. You'll bring proven operational experience, alongside a real desire to work in an environment that focuses on supporting and improving the lives of marginalised young people and their families.

You’ll be able to demonstrate the following:

• An ability to build relationships with various stakeholders
• An understanding of mentoring and counselling practice and procedures.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and practice.
• Excellent and various organisational skills in multiple areas.
• Ability to analyse data and produce clear, evidence-based reports.
• Experience working directly with children and young people.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please send in your cv and a cover letter demonstrating how you meet the criteria.

Kids Club Kampala are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Trusts & Foundations Manager to join our small but highly effective team, helping to raise funds and awareness of our work in East Africa through grant fundraising.

About Kids Club Kampala and the Role

Kids Club Kampala is a children’s charity with a Christian ethos working across East Africa. Our mission is to transform children’s lives, empower communities, and reduce poverty throughout East Africa. We do this by meeting children’s and families’ immediate needs and strengthening their futures through child protection, access to education and family strengthening. Together, we can help more children not just survive but thrive. We envision a world where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. By remaining child-centred and prioritising the needs of the poorest, by 2035 we will have made a tangible impact in over 5 million lives.

We have grown significantly in recent years and last year expanded our work from Uganda to across East Africa. Grant fundraising remains one of our primary income streams and the Trusts & Foundations Manager will build on our strengths and successes in this area, developing our existing relationships and working to generate new partnership opportunities.

Job Description

Strategy & Pipeline Development

• Develop and execute an annual Trusts & Foundations strategy to meet income targets and diversify the portfolio.

• Research, prospect and cultivate our grant funding pipeline of international funding opportunities.

• Maintain an up to date knowledge of the broader grants fundraising environment.

Bid Development & Proposal Writing

• Write high-quality, evidence-based proposals that translate East African programme data into persuasive narratives.

• Collaborate with the Head of Finance on project budgets and support the Finance & Grants Officer with research, applications and reporting. 

• Develop bespoke bids for institutional funding applications while maintaining the integrity of operational goals.

Partnership Management & Stewardship

• Manage a portfolio of existing donors, building long-term partnerships through proactive engagement.

• Provide bespoke updates and support the CEO with preparing and presenting at virtual or in person meetings.

• Execute strategies to move one-off grants toward multi-year commitments for sustainable income.

• Support to develop and expand our corporate partnership portfolio.

Impact Reporting & Grant Management

• Produce accurate, high-quality progress and impact reports.

• Maintain precise CRM records, tracking all reporting deadlines.

• Monitor grant expenditure and milestones, flagging potential risks or deviations to senior leadership.

Person Specification

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, whether or not you have a degree. If you meet most of the following criteria, we encourage you to apply.

• Commitment to our mission and values.

• Experience working in the charity sector.

• Strong track record working within grants fundraising.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to craft compelling narratives and proposals.

• Experience working with budgets and financial information.

• Excellent organisational and time management skills.

• High attention to detail and accuracy.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office / Google Workspace.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Adaptability and the ability to prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment.

What We Offer

• Annual Leave: 25 days of annual leave pro rata, plus 8 public holidays and an additional day off for your birthday.

• Flexible Working: Fully remote working with flexible hours.

• Pension: 5% employer pension contributions.

• Professional Development: Individual training and development plan, with ongoing investment in your growth.

• Project Visit: Option to visit East Africa after your first year of employment.

• Team Wellbeing: Quarterly team meet-ups, including an annual wellbeing day, and a Christmas get-together.

• Training Days: Annual training days and a generous training budget.

How to apply

Please apply via CharityJob with your CV along with a covering letter, detailing why you are applying for the job and how you meet the person specification before the closing date of Friday 27th March 2026. Interviews will be held via video conference the week of the 6th April 2026.

If you have any questions or need further information about the role, please feel free to reach out.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At Kids Club Kampala, we are committed to building an inclusive organisation where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels they belong. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups. Please note, you must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this position.

The funding environment has shifted fast. Alexandra Rose needs to be sharper, more strategic and more commercially literate than the traditional charity model allows. This role exists to make that happen.

We are looking for a senior funding leader who is comfortable operating as a “department of one” within a small but ambitious organisation. Trusts and Foundations prospecting and bid writing will form a core part of the role, working closely with the CEO and senior team. Beyond that, you will build and steward high-value funder relationships, develop and secure corporate partnerships aligned with our values, test new income models, and help us adapt confidently to a fast-changing landscape.

This is a senior leadership position. You will work closely with the CEO and Head of Finance to shape organisational direction and build a resilient, full-cost-recovery funding model that protects quality, depth and long-term impact.

This is a remote role, with a requirement to regularly attend meetings and events (mainly London but on occasions project areas elsewhere in the UK).

Key Responsibilities

 Strategic leadership

• Deliver the current funding strategy, which includes Trusts & Foundations grant funding, corporate donations, and testing new potential ways to generate income.
• Monitor sector trends, opportunities and risks, and reposition the charity as needed.
• Work closely with the CEO and Head of Finance to align income planning with organisational priorities and financial forecasting.
• Build simple, effective systems for pipeline development, forecasting and reporting.

 Trusts & Foundations

• Lead the trusts and foundations portfolio, working closely with the CEO to secure multi-year, core and expansion funding, including directly leading on the writing of funding bids. This will be a core part of the role.
• Develop compelling, well-evidenced funding proposals rooted in our mission and impact.
• Build strong, long-term relationships with funders.

 Corporate Donations & Partnerships

• Manage and grow existing corporate relationships, ensuring partnerships remain values-aligned, purposeful and mutually beneficial.
• Identify and develop new appropriate corporate donors and partners, informed by research into corporate giving, ESG and CSR trends.
• Shape and evolve a clear, credible and cost-effective corporate engagement offer that supports long-term organisational sustainability.

 New income streams

• Scope, test and (if viable) deliver new earned-income models, such as corporate engagement models.
• Develop proof-of-concept approaches and evaluate their feasibility.
• Support the organisation to diversify and strengthen its income base.

 Collaboration & leadership culture

• Serve as a key member of the Senior Management Team, contributing to organisation-wide strategy and decision-making.
• Build a transparent, mature, collaborative culture around income generation.
• Ensure the wider team understands funding opportunities, constraints and strategic choices.

Why join us?

• This is a chance to have real impact in an organisation that works practically and strategically to remove the barriers of affordability and accessibility to good food, with a focus on fruit and veg.

• A senior leadership role with real influence over the charity’s direction and sustainability.
• The chance to build and shape a future-facing income strategy in a charity committed to genuine systemic change.
• Remote working and genuine flexibility.
• Work that directly contributes to a fairer, healthier and more dignified food system.