Trusts & Foundations Manager

POST OUTLINE

This is a permanent role within the Income Generation team, responsible for unlocking significant income from trusts and foundations to power the charity’s services future growth.  Working across the organisation, you will shape compelling funding opportunities, connect funders to real impact and help build a stronger, more ambitious grants programme.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

This is a pivotal role responsible for driving significant income growth from Trusts and Foundations by developing and delivering a focused, high quality grants programme.  You will identify and secure funding for priority services, develop compelling cases for support and build strong, long-term relationships with funders.

You will take full ownership of the grants pipeline from opportunity identification through to submission and reporting, ensuring a disciplined, results-focussed approach to income generation.  As Line Manager of the Grants Team you will set clear direction, raise standards and deliver consistent performance against income targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a targeted Trusts and Foundations plan, prioritising opportunities aligned to organisational priorities and income potential.
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospects, applications, reports and renewals, ensuring a consistent flow of income.
• Research and assess funding opportunities in depth, using insights to target funders with the highest likelihood of success.
• Write and submit high-quality, compelling applications and proposals tailored to individual funder priorities and requirements.
• Translate complex service delivery outcomes and language into clear and persuasive cases for support.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Trusts and Foundations, treating funders as long-term partners.
• Lead on funder reporting and stewardship, delivering timely, high-quality updates that build trust and secure repeat funding.
• Work closely with services and senior colleagues to develop fundable projects, robust budgets and credible impact reporting.
• Manage multiple deadlines and priorities effectively, managing high standards across all applications and communications.
• Monitor performance against targets, using insights and learning from outcomes to continuously refine approach.
• Ensure all applications and reports meet funder guidelines with a strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Line manage and develop members of the Grants Team setting clear expectations and maintaining high performance.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria:

• Significant experience securing income from Trusts and Foundations, including five and six figure gifts, both single and multi-year.
• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding income targets through a strategic, pipeline led approach.
• Strong experience of developing compelling, high-quality cases for support, funding applications and proposals.
• Ability to translate complex services and impact into clear, persuasive cases for support.
• Experience building and managing relationships with funders, securing repeat funding.
• Strong research and prioritisation skills, with the ability to assess opportunities effectively.
• Experience managing a pipeline of prospects, applications and renewals.
• Excellent written and communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Experience working collaboratively across teams.
• Experience of line management.
• Knowledge of fundraising regulation, compliance and data protection.
• A proactive, delivery focused approach with the ability to turn ideas into action.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience working within children’s, disability or health-related charities.
• Knowledge of the UK’s Trusts and Foundations landscape.
• Experience using prospect research tools i.e. GrantFinder or similar.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT or other CRM systems.
• Experience working in a growing or changing organisation.