Grants and trusts manager jobs

Create is seeking a dynamic, ambitious, driven, fundraiser (grants/major gifts) with strong strategic skills, an exemplary income generation track record, and a passion for the power of the creative arts. This Senior Leadership Team position reports directly to the Chief Executive and manages a small team.

Do you believe in the power of the creative arts to connect, empower and upskill isolated and vulnerable children and adults? Are you passionate about relationship building, storytelling, meeting targets and changing lives? Are you excited to use your extensive senior-level fundraising experience, knowledge and contacts to lead Create’s income generation from Trusts & Foundations (T&F), public sector and High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI)? 

Pathway's Business Development Manager plays a key role in our small core team, working with staff across the organisation to develop our offers to NHS partners and building and managing relationships with external funders and partners from the statutory, charity and corporate sectors. Reporting to the Chief Executive the postholder plays a leading role in developing strategies to increase our impact, diversify our revenue streams and support the spread and replication of evidence-based models of care and service improvements, emerging from Pathway’s own work and our wide inclusion health networks.

The main tasks are:

1. Business Development & Lead Generation

Research and identify opportunities to spread Pathway's models of improved care, including new routes to NHS commissioners, budget holders, and innovative funding mechanisms. With senior support, identify target contacts and generate leads to develop and diversify Pathway's revenue streams and carry out planning to adapt to the external environment.

2. Grant Writing & Funding Applications
Lead and co-ordinate the development of high-quality grant applications and service business cases, working across Pathway's teams to gather evidence, articulate impact, and make compelling cases for support to NHS commissioners and Trusts, charitable foundations, and corporate partners.

3. Relationship Management
Build, manage and track relationships with NHS commissioners, system partners, clinical champions, corporate partners and funders through new and existing mechanisms. Represent Pathway externally, developing a deep understanding of commissioners' and funders’ needs, and propose ways Pathway can plan to meet them. Help staff, Fellows, and close partners to understand these needs and how Pathway may need to change in response.

4. Marketing & Communications
Work with the Communications Manager to develop promotional campaigns and marketing materials that increase Pathway's impact and externally generated income. Maintain a strong working knowledge of Pathway's care innovations and service models, and promote these in an NHS-appropriate style. Keep abreast of developments in the NHS to ensure Pathway's communications and marketing activities connect with current health service concerns.

About you - You need to have:

i. excellent oral and written communications skills including presentation skills

ii. experience of building trust, confidence and excellent working relationships with clients and partners

iii. experience of working within the health or health inclusion field preferably within NHS commissioning organisations or public health

iv. demonstrable knowledge of NHS commissioning structures and practices

v. passion for and a strong commitment to improve health outcomes for the most marginalised people in the UK

vi. the credibility to describe and promote care and service quality improvements developed by Pathway and practitioners across our networks

vii.  knowledge and experience of marketing techniques and evidence of success in applying them to public sector organisations

viii. demonstrable experience of project and programme management

ix. ability to see the big picture and develop strategies that can be understood and taken forward by others in the team

x. demonstrable experience of working successfully within a team

xi. strong negotiating skills including evidence of securing ongoing revenue for projects or programmes

xii.  a commitment to Pathway’s core values including a firm commitment to human rights-based approaches and eradicating unfair discrimination in all its forms

Ideally you will have:

i. experience of fundraising and grant writing

ii. experience of charity sector governance

iii. experience of working with central, regional and/or local government

Working at Pathway

Pathway’s offices are in London but with limited desk space. The postholder will be expected to split their time between the office and working from home with an expectation of at least two days a week in the office – precise arrangements to be agreed with the CEO.

Pathway is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to growing a diverse workforce. We will make any necessary adaptations for a disabled employee. Applications from people with lived experience of homelessness or other forms of social exclusion are particularly welcome.

 Benefits

We are a friendly, committed group of people, who provide a positive and proactive working environment. We are a flexible employer and your working pattern can be agreed with your line manager.

 Holiday entitlement: 30 days plus bank holidays

 Pension: Pathway’s employees are automatically enrolled into the Nest Contributory pension scheme (which was set up by the Government). Contributions are made as follows:

· Full time salary £30,001 and above, employer contributes 3% and employee contributes 5%

First Give

First Give is a national charity that partners with secondary schools to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to drive change. Through our structured programmes, students explore social issues, connect with charities, and take tangible steps to improve their community.

Empowering and equipping young people to meaningfully contribute to their community is a first step to addressing many of the challenges we face at this time of social disconnection and division. Our vision is of a more generous society where everyone is willing and able to give their time, money and skills to the causes they care about.

Trusts and Foundations Manager

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic and relationship-driven Trusts and Foundations Manager to lead on growing and stewarding First Give’s portfolio of high-value funders. This role will focus on securing income from Trusts and Foundations from first engagement to account management, delivery and reporting. 

First Give is a small charity, with a growing fundraising team and big ambitions. You will therefore be someone who thrives in a start-up environment, willing to try new things. We are looking for an exceptional writer, someone who can translate the impact of our work into proposals that inspire and motivate the reader to give.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping First Give’s income growth, working closely with our Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships and the Director to manage relationships with existing donors, and leading on the development of high value bids to expand our work. This role will also support key engagement activities, including hosting donors at student-led Final events and facilitating employee volunteering at schools.

This is an exciting opportunity for a confident communicator and grant fundraiser with experience managing and deepening relationships with high value trusts and foundations gifts – someone who thrives on storytelling and social impact. We currently have a strong pipeline of trusts and foundations and are looking for someone eager to write applications and secure funding.

Contract: Full-time, 35 hours per week; core hours - 10am till 4pm

Location: We have office space at the Pears Hub in West Hampstead, where some people come in one or two times a week, we're very flexible. 

Application process:

- Application form

- Task and interview (interviews will be conducted on MS Teams)

Please also fill out this equality & diversity monitoring form (this will not be linked to your application).

1. Application closes: 20th July 9am

2. Interviews: 23rd and 24th July

3. Start date: 1st September

The students we work with come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and so do we. We want to ensure that we are recruiting, retaining and promoting a diverse mix of colleagues. We want to foster a diverse and inclusive culture, to empower our teams to achieve our vision drawing on the broadest possible range of experiences. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates from minoritised groups currently underrepresented on our executive team, particularly black and minority ethnic and disabled candidates.

Please get in touch with Carmen O’Loughlin if you would like to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process or have any queries about the role.

This is a particularly exciting moment for Bath Cats and Dogs Home. We’ll soon be merging with a neighbouring animal charity. Together, we’ll be stronger and more sustainable, working across a large area that stretches from west Wiltshire to the Bristol Channel, and doubling the size of the population we serve.

This new chapter will significantly expand our reach, increase our impact for local animals, and strengthen the support we can provide to pet owners across our communities. As part of this transformation, fundraising will play a critical role - making this a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to shape meaningful growth and help deliver ambitious plans for animal welfare.

You’ll lead on developing and securing income from charitable trusts and foundations, managing existing relationships while identifying and cultivating new opportunities. Working closely with the Head of Fundraising and Retail and colleagues across the organisation, you’ll create compelling funding proposals, build strong funder relationships, and help bring innovative projects to life.

Role/Job Title: Trusts and Foundations Manager
Location: Hybrid role / Cornford Lane, Pembury, TN2 4QU
Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday – Friday)
Salary: £36,000 - £46,000 per annum (Dependent on experience)

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 21st July 2026
Interview Date (please ensure you are available): Friday 31st July 2026

Equal Opportunity/Accessibility and Accommodations Statement:
As a Disability Confident employer, Aspens Charities is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. We actively promote the recruitment, retention, and career development of people with disabilities, recognising the invaluable contributions they make to our organisation. We are dedicated to ensuring an accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Aspens’ mission is to provide high-quality care and support to individuals on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East.

Help shape the future of a growing charity!

We're looking for an experienced and ambitious Trusts and Foundations Manager to lead and grow one of our most exciting income streams.

This is an opportunity to build on existing success and play a key strategic role in securing funding that enables us to deliver life-changing services. Working across the organisation, you'll identify inspiring projects, develop compelling funding proposals and build lasting relationships with charitable trusts and foundations.

If you're passionate about creating funding opportunities that make a genuine difference and enjoy working collaboratively to turn great ideas into fundable projects, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role:
Reporting to the Head of Income Generation, you'll take ownership of our trusts and foundations fundraising programme, leading the development of a strong pipeline of funding opportunities that support our strategic priorities.

You'll work closely with colleagues across Operations, Finance, Marketing and senior leadership to develop high-quality bids, manage funder relationships and ensure successful grant management from application through to reporting.

This is a strategic role with significant opportunity to shape and grow an important area of fundraising, with responsibility for delivering an initial income target of approximately £100,000 in year one, alongside developing the foundations for long-term growth.

What you'll be doing

• Developing and implementing our trusts and foundations fundraising strategy.
• Identifying and researching new funding opportunities.
• Working with colleagues to shape innovative, fundable projects.
• Writing compelling funding applications for charitable trusts and foundations.
• Building and stewarding strong relationships with funders.
• Managing grant reporting, compliance and impact reporting.
• Working collaboratively across the organisation to maximise funding opportunities.
• Championing best practice in trusts and foundations fundraising.

What We Offer:

· Comprehensive paid training and excellent career progression opportunities, including recognised qualifications in health and social care

· Paid DBS check

· Flexible work arrangements, with the option to take on additional bank shifts

· Nest Pension and Death in Service benefit

· Access to a dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders

· Blue Light Card discounts

· 20% discount at Aspens High Street Stores for all staff

· Discounted staff menu available at the Bluebell Café (Pembury)

· Refer a Friend scheme - earn up to £250 for every successful referral

· Employee recognition programmes, including ‘Employee of the Month’

What We’re Looking For:

You'll be an experienced trusts fundraiser with a proven ability to secure significant grant income and build strong relationships with funders.

You'll also have:

· A successful track record of securing five and six-figure grants.

· Experience developing persuasive, high-quality funding applications.

· Knowledge of major grant funders, such as The National Lottery, Lloyds Bank Foundation and Garfield Weston Foundation.

· Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.

· The ability to influence and collaborate across teams without direct line management responsibility.

· Strong project management and organisational skills.

· Experience managing grant reporting, budgets and funding compliance.

· Experience using a CRM system such as Salesforce (or similar).

Experience within the charity, health, social care or disability sectors would be advantageous, although we welcome applicants with transferable experience from other sectors.

Apply now and one of our team members will reach out to discuss the role further.

If shortlisted, we will contact you directly to schedule an interview. We strive to respond to all applicants; however, if you have not received a response within a reasonable timeframe, please feel free to contact us for a status update or feedback (where available). After the interview, you will be notified of the outcome. If successful, you’ll receive a formal offer in writing. Upon acceptance, we’ll guide you through the onboarding process, providing you with all the details you need

Please note, any offer of employment will be subject to Disclosure and Barring checks (which we will arrange on your behalf if you don’t already have one) and satisfactory employment references.

We have an opportunity for a Grants Officer to join our fantastic Central Grants Team on a 12 month fixed term basis.

This role will see you facilitate the assessment and provision of grants to members of the Armed Forces Community to meet a welfare need. This will primarily focus on one of our two key methods of delivering support to individuals: assessing and processing funding applications received via our online application system, and/or working with case managers, both internally and within other organisations to provide grants support and source funding to meet needs.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Reporting to our Grants Team Leader, key responsibilities will include:

- Assessing the applications submitted directly by applicant beneficiaries to assess whether they meet eligibility and means testing criteria
- Liaising with applicants via telephone or email to obtain the information needed to make an informed and correct decision on the case
- Identifying where the needs of an applicant are complex and assisting them to access support form one of our specialist services or a relevant third-party service
- Authorising grants recommended by our case-management functions such as our Area Offices and Specialist Services.
- Offering guidance to case managers around grant fulfilment
- Managing clear and effective communication in all aspects of work undertaken in the Grants Teams, responding to updates or queries within 24 hours of being received delays and demonstrating professionalism especially when dealing with challenging decisions or updates to internal & external stakeholders

We’re looking for someone who is comfortable managing a busy workload, can switch between tasks without losing attention to detail, and communicates clearly with a wide range of people. Experience in grants, welfare, charity or assessment based roles would be useful, but just as important is the ability to think things through, handle information responsibly and work in a way that’s consistent and fair. If you prefer roles where you’re trusted to make sound judgments, keep things moving, and work with a wide range of organisations, this will suit you.

You will be contracted to your home address. You will be expected to work there with occasional travel (incl. for monthly team meetings) to London, Haig House and beyond this area.

Employee benefits include –

- 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Enhanced paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Generous pension scheme with employer contributions ranging from 6% to 14%, depending on length of service
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see the Job Description attached to our direct advert. Our teams take a personalised approach to shortlisting, which is carried out without the use of AI and is based on the evidence provided in your application against the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer interview schemes for candidates who declare an Armed Forces connection and/or a disability. However, candidates are only eligible for this scheme if their application clearly demonstrates that they meet all of the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification for the role.

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis is the UK’s leading patient charity for people affected by pulmonary fibrosis. We fund research, campaign for improved care, and provide vital support and information to people living with the condition and those who care about them.

We are looking for a Trusts, Foundations and Grants Manager to help grow our income from trusts, foundations, statutory bodies and other grant-making organisations. This is an important role in our Fundraising team, helping to secure the funding we need to expand support services, accelerate research, influence policy and improve care.

You will manage a portfolio of prospects and funders, develop compelling funding applications and reports, build strong relationships, and work closely with colleagues across APF to gather evidence, budgets, impact data and lived experience stories.

We are looking for someone with experience of developing successful funding applications, excellent written communication skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines. You will be proactive, collaborative and motivated by improving the lives of people affected by pulmonary fibrosis.

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter via Charity Job, maximum two pages, by 8th July 2026.

BLCF is a leading local grantmaker, striving to be a catalyst for positive change in the community. The Foundation distributes millions of pounds locally each year and is establishing a national reputation for an innovative, community-focused and strategic approach.

BLCF is currently recruiting for an experienced Head of Grants to lead our expanding grants team and join our Senior Leadership Team to steer the future direction of the Foundation.

Applicants will need to have significant previous and relevant experience in a grants management role, and possess excellent leadership, team and programme management skills. Excellent communication and IT skills are also essential.

To apply, please submit a concise covering letter (no more than two pages) outlining your suitability for the role against the job description and a completed application form

Closing date for applications is 12noon on Monday 13th July 2026.

About StreetVet

StreetVet is a fast-growing national charity, committed to providing free, accessible veterinary care to the pets of those experiencing homelessness and to keeping pets and owners together to maintain their unbreakable bond. StreetVet relies on its team of over 500 vet and nurse volunteers in 23 locations around the UK to provide free veterinary treatment, funded by grants, corporate and private donors and partners. Since inception in 2016 the charity has treated nearly 3,500 pets and has won numerous awards including the Vet Trust Award for the Most Trusted Veterinary Charity, Purina Better with Pets Prize and Homeless Link Excellence Award for Excellent Support.

About the role

Duration: Permanent

Reporting to: Head of Marketing & Fundraising

Key Contacts: Colleagues, volunteers, external stakeholders, corporate partners, donors, prospects and other supporters

Location: Fully remote, with regular UK travel including evenings and weekends

Hours: 37.5 work week (flexible working available)

Holiday: 25 days per year plus national holidays

Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 depending on experience

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Fundraising Manager to join our team. The role will report to the Head of Marketing and Fundraising and will be responsible for developing and implementing the fundraising strategy, driving forward all aspects of fundraising, including building corporate charity of the year partnerships, individual giving, major donors,
trusts and foundations, legacies and community fundraising.

The successful candidate will be a core member of the Central Team, working closely with the Marketing Team to develop and deliver income for the charity.

 
This role will have budgetary responsibility to achieving a revenue target in financial year 26/27 of £1.5 million, whilst building a sustainable income stream for the long-term with Yr on Yr growth. Key priorities include increasing the Individual Giving and Regular Giving donor database, donor and fundraiser stewardship, organising fundraising events, and securing grants and sponsorships.

For more information about the role, please see attached job description.

Closing Date: Close of business Thursday 16th July 2026 (applications may close earlier depending on response).

This is an exciting time to join us. As we grow our international efforts and sharpen our strategic focus, we are creating a new Head of Research & Grants role to lead our combined research and grant-making function. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will be our senior operational and strategic leader for how we identify, fund and learn from the work that gives babies the best start in life.

The grants and research effort of the Foundation is focussed on the ‘So What?’. You will make sure every piece of ground breaking research and every charity grant adds to our global advocacy for babies, informing and educating policy makers across the world about the 1001 Critical Days and how they can help parents and carers give their babies the best start in life.

To apply, please click the redirect to recruiter button. 

We are looking for an experienced and ambitious senior leader for this leading social welfare charity. As Trust and Grants Manager you will lead and grow a vital income stream for the charity. 

This is not a first-time management role. They are looking for an experienced fundraising leader who can confidently manage and develop an established team, drive performance, and provide strategic direction to the Trusts programme.

This is a hybrid role with once a week in the Surrey office.

The charity:
You would be joining a long standing and well respected social welfare charity with a welcoming and supportive working culture. 

Benefits include:
- Formalised flexible working.
- Annual Pay Review: Salaries are reviewed each April (non-contractual).
- Matched Pension Contribution: Matched up to 5% of salary.
- Sharing of internal vacancies with you: Helping you to grow, develop and progress your career.
- Health Cash Plan: Employees can claim reimbursement on routine healthcare expenses (optical, dental etc).
- As well as much more!

The Role:
Working with the Head of Trusts and Statutory Income to set the strategy for the Trusts and Statutory  programme. 
Provide oversight for delivering and maintaining the Trusts Programme raising over £2 million every year, and developing ambitions plan for growth.
Lead on the development and implementation of the Trust Funding Strategy
Lead on Donor Cultivation and the Stewardship strategy for Trusts 
Hold account management for key existing and new high value relationships in the Trust portfolio, delivering on a personal annual income target of £600K - £700K.

Provide inspiring line management to develop, empower, energise and support staff to reach their potential.

The Candidate:
Experience in line management/supervision and developing a team.
Ability to develop a Trust Fundraising programme strategically and project manage delivery across stakeholders and the Trust Fundraising team. 
Proven track record of raising multiple 6 figure gifts in one year (£100K plus) from Trusts, Foundations, lottery or public bodies, and demonstrable experience of meeting financial income targets.
Ability to deliver excellent presentations and engaging pitches to internal and external stakeholder.   
Strong grant management skills, knowledge of excellent donor care and ability to develop strong working relationships.
Good understanding of Trust fundraising sector, trends and best practice and experience of working with large well known trust funders.

 
IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you haven't been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful, but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.

We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

Bowel Research UK is looking for a permanent Research and Grants Manager to coordinate and evaluate the management of the charity’s research activities. This role covers all aspects of pre- and post-award research management, impact reporting, grant finance management and governance, co-ordination of the Charity’s scientific committees and shaping external scientific communications to supporters and other stakeholders. Additionally, you will foster and maintain strong relationships with researchers, serving as the primary point of contact for engaging with the research community. 

Bowel Research UK are bringing this permanent role following time spent with an interim postholder in position to create a solid foundation and understanding of what the role needs.

This is an opportunity to work with the UK’s leading specialist bowel cancer and bowel disease research charity. Bowel Research UK believe that a cure for bowel cancer and effective treatments to mitigate, or entirely eradicate, other bowel diseases is possible – but only if vital research is funded and investment made into the scientific and medical communities today, to see the benefits tomorrow. 

Bowel Research UK are a flexible employer, for this post they are looking for someone to be comfortable with joining the team in the London office once a month. If the post holder would prefer to work more regularly from an office base, the charity has office space at Royal College of Surgeons in central London. Most team members work from here on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

For further information and to apply please follow the guidance in the Candidate Pack to arrange a conversation about your suitability for the role and next steps.

Closing date: midnight Wednesday 22nd July

The selection process will involve a two-stage interview process.

Transform Lives Through Fundraising
 
Lead trusts and grants fundraising efforts to make a tangible difference by directly funding life-changing assistance dogs for disabled people. 
 
About Canine Partners
At Canine Partners, we breed, train, and support expert assistance dogs to create loving, life-changing partnerships with disabled people. Across the UK, we support people with a variety of physical disabilities and their families, carefully matching them with a dog that suits their needs, personality, and lifestyle.
Our dogs bring confidence and independence, love and companionship, reducing reliance on carers and giving people the freedom to live life their own way.
 
The Role
Position: Trusts and Grants manager Hours: 37.5 hours per week Location: Homebased  Travel: Occasional travel to the National Training Centre, in Leicestershire to support bespoke donor site visits and quarterly fundraising meetings and some travel to high value giving events.   
You will implement Canine Partners’ trusts strategy with the aim of developing relationships to expand the funding base of trusts and grant givers, and increase overall giving. You'll be responsible for the strategic planning, operational management and delivery of trusts and grant funding to achieve significant and sustainable income, ensuring strong engagement with Canine Partners.
 
What You'll Be Doing

• Create and implement the trust strategy, and set income and expenditure targets in conjunction with the High Value Giving Manager and Head of Fundraising 
• Identify, secure and lead the development and management of a range of significant high value relationships with trusts and grant givers.
• Inspire existing and prospective supporters to engage with and support Canine Partners’ work, through proactive and extensive networking.
• Ensure all trust supporters receive exemplary stewardship and supporter care that meets and exceeds their expectations. 
• Be responsible for developing internal and external relationships, and represent Canine Partners at the highest levels to develop engagement and interest. 
• Engage specialist and/or senior level internal support where necessary, to gather information and prepare high level propositions to potential funders. 

 
About You

• Strong experience in trust and foundation fundraising, proven track record in securing five and six figure gifts
• Proven experience in managing relationships with external supporters
• Significant experience in developing funding proposals and innovative cases for support
• Accomplished communicator able to build relationships at all levels
• Ability to construct written reports and manage and analyse data on CRM systems

 
Most importantly, you will be passionate about the transformative impact that our assistance dogs provide to our beneficiaries.
 
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you are excited about this role, don't hesitate to apply! We welcome applicants who bring unique perspectives and would be delighted to hear from you. Please apply online with a comprehensive CV and supporting statement explaining how you believe you match the requirements of the role.
 
Please note we may interview candidates prior to the closing date. If we find a suitable candidate or receive a high volume of applications, we may close this advertisement prior to the closing date so apply now to ensure you don't miss out! Please be assured that we contact all candidates regarding the outcome of their application, this may take longer if we receive high volumes of applications.
 
Closing date: 26th July 2026
 
We recognise the benefit of diverse experience and welcome and encourage applications from all sections of the community. We are a disability confident committed employer.
 
REF-229 465

0.5 FTE – 18.75 hours per week (flexible working)
Salary: £30,000-£32,000 FTE depending on experience
Location: Hybrid working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire, alongside home working and occasional external meetings

About Quest for Learning

Quest for Learning is an education charity working to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind due to disadvantage.

We work closely with schools to deliver targeted, evidence-led literacy and numeracy programmes that help children build the skills, confidence and foundations they need to thrive. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, facing barriers linked to low family literacy, unmet additional needs, unstable home circumstances, or limited access to wider opportunities.

Our programmes are delivered by experienced professional tutors and are built around structured interventions, strong school partnerships and measurable outcomes. On average, pupils supported through our small-group tutoring make around 13 months of progress in just 10 hours of support.

Quest for Learning is entering an important new stage of development. Following a period of organisational growth and strategic transition, we are investing in building a more sustainable and ambitious fundraising function that can deepen our impact and reach more children across Oxfordshire.

This is an opportunity to play a central role in shaping that journey.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to join a small but ambitious charity at a genuinely exciting stage of development.

You’ll have:

• Real ownership and autonomy within your role
• The opportunity to help shape and build a growing fundraising function
• Close working relationships with the CEO and leadership team
• Flexibility and hybrid working arrangements
• The chance to make a direct and measurable difference to children facing disadvantage
• Opportunities for progression as the organisation grows

We are intentionally investing in fundraising and organisational growth, and this role offers the opportunity to help shape a developing fundraising function within an ambitious, evidence-led charity with strong foundations and significant future potential.

We are a collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven team that values initiative, professionalism, creativity and compassion.

Role purpose

We are seeking a proactive, highly organised and motivated fundraiser to lead and grow our trusts and grants fundraising activity.

This role will focus primarily on identifying funding opportunities, developing compelling applications, managing funder relationships and building a strong pipeline of income to support Quest for Learning’s future growth.

The successful candidate will play a key role in helping us develop a more strategic and sustainable fundraising approach. We are looking for someone who can combine strong written communication and attention to detail with initiative, pace and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

This role would suit someone with existing trusts fundraising experience, or someone with highly transferable skills who can learn quickly and thrive in a fast-moving environment.

You will work closely with the CEO, programme staff and trustees, with access to strong impact data, established programmes and a compelling case for support.

Alongside this role, Quest for Learning is also exploring the development of an additional partnerships-focused fundraising role. We are open-minded about how responsibilities are ultimately structured and welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds, experiences and strengths.

Key responsibilities

Trusts and foundations fundraising

• Research and identify prospective trusts, foundations and grant opportunities
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of funding prospects
• Develop and submit high-quality, tailored funding applications
• Manage multiple applications and deadlines simultaneously
• Produce timely and well-written monitoring reports and evaluations
• Work closely with programme staff to gather impact data, case studies and delivery information
• Maintain accurate records of applications, deadlines and funder communications within Beacon CRM
• Monitor fundraising performance and contribute to pipeline tracking and forecasting
• Support the development of longer-term funding strategies and priorities

Relationship management and stewardship

• Build positive and professional relationships with funders and supporters
• Arrange and attend occasional meetings with funders and partners where appropriate
• Ensure strong stewardship and communication throughout the funding lifecycle
• Support the CEO in managing strategic funding relationships

Organisational Contribution

• Contribute to the ongoing development of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function and systems
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation
• Represent Quest for Learning professionally and passionately to external audiences
• Contribute ideas and insight to support organisational growth and sustainability

Person specification

We recognise that strong fundraisers do not always come from traditional charity fundraising backgrounds. If you have transferable skills and experience in areas such as bid writing, partnerships, relationship management, education, sales, communications, account management or business development - and are excited by our mission - we would strongly encourage you to apply.

Essential

• Excellent written communication skills with strong attention to detail
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Confidence using databases, spreadsheets and digital systems
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• Commitment to the mission and values of Quest for Learning
• Experience of writing successful funding applications, bids, proposals or other persuasive written content

Desirable

• Experience in trusts and foundations fundraising within the charity sector
• Experience using Beacon CRM or similar fundraising databases
• Understanding of monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting
• Experience within education, children’s services or related sectors
• Knowledge of the Oxfordshire funding landscape
• Experience working within a small charity or growing organisation

What success looks like in this role

Successful performance in this role is likely to include:

• Building and maintaining a strong and active funding pipeline
• Producing a consistent volume of high-quality applications and reports
• Securing significant grant income for the charity
• Developing strong funder relationships and stewardship practices
• Contributing to the growth and professionalisation of Quest for Learning’s fundraising function
• Helping position Quest for Learning for sustainable long-term growth

As Quest for Learning grows, we expect this role to develop too, with opportunities to shape strategy and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Who thrives at Quest for Learning?

People who tend to thrive at Quest for Learning are:

• proactive and solutions-focused
• motivated by meaningful impact
• comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with others
• excited by helping build and improve systems and processes
• adaptable, thoughtful and motivated to grow professionally alongside the organisation

Working arrangements

• 0.5 FTE with flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid role combining home working with one regular day or half-day per week in Abingdon/Oxfordshire
• Occasional travel across Oxfordshire for meetings and events
• Flexible working patterns can be discussed

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working
• Pension contribution
• TOIL policy
• Supportive and collaborative working culture
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to help shape a growing fundraising function within an ambitious charity

Application process

To apply, please submit:

• A CV
• A short statement explaining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the person specification

We encourage applications from candidates with both traditional and non-traditional fundraising backgrounds.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Chris Higgins, CEO

Closing date: midday, Tuesday 30 June
Interviews: week commencing 6 or 13 July