Grant Fundraiser

New Forest Disability Information Service provides a range of information, advice and practical support services to people affected by disability across the New Forest and surrounding areas.

Our team currently comprises: CEO, Operations Manager, 6 Welfare Advisors, Administrator and circa 20 Volunteers who staff our shop and provide first line information and support. All paid staff are part time.

In looking to a more secure and sustainable future, these roles are now being complemented by a marketing manager and this fundraising post.

With the exception of proceeds from our shop, our work is entirely supported by grants and service contracts.

Current significant grant funders are:

·       National Lottery Community Fund

·       Access to Justice Foundation

·       Lloyds Foundation

We also have a rolling annual service level agreement with New Forest District Council for the provision of specific services.

Despite not having a dedicated fundraising function, we have a positive track record of securing such funding and have strong foundations on which to build.

In order to sustain and develop our service offer, we now need to adopt a focused approach to fundraising to both maintain effective relationships with existing funders and to diversify our income streams.

With the support of Lloyds Foundation we have recently benefitted from the contribution of a fundraising consultant. This has included an analysis of our position/needs and the production of a fundraising strategy. It has also included the provision of various tools and templates including an Excel-based CRM should this be required.

With room for some amendment from the successful candidate, this strategy needs to be converted into a SMART work plan and be implemented.

Priority tasks for the first six months would include:

·       Engaging with our consultant to finalise the strategy

·       Producing a work plan

·       Create and secure agreement re our ‘case for support’

·       Identify prospect Trusts and Foundations

·       Write and submit a volume of applications to be agreed with the CEO

Our broad performance expectations are to secure a 2:1 return on investment in year one rising to a minimum 4:1 return by end of year three.

We anticipate this being a two or three day/week role and are open to discussion as to this being a freelance or employed position.