Senior trust and foundations fundraiser jobs

Description 

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Fundraising to lead and further develop our fundraising activity at a pivotal time for the Cathedral. This is a strategic and hands on role, working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Management Team to secure the resources needed to sustain and grow the Cathedral’s mission, ministry and buildings. 

You will take the lead on generating fundraising income, primarily through trusts and foundations, while also developing appeals, legacy giving, regular giving and new fundraising income streams. You will build on the strong foundations already in place, bringing creativity, rigour and collaboration to everything you do. 

The role 

As Head of Fundraising, you will: 

• Lead relationships with trusts and foundations, identifying opportunities, writing compelling applications and managing reporting and compliance 

• Drive major fundraising bids to support the Cathedral’s Estates Masterplan and strategic priorities 

• Develop and deliver fundraising appeals and pilot new initiatives to diversify income 

• Grow legacy and regular giving, building a sustainable pipeline of long-term supporters 

• Lead supporter care, engagement and fundraising events 

• Oversee fundraising communications and profile raising activity 

• Work collaboratively across the Cathedral to develop fundable projects and shared ownership of fundraising 

• Manage the fundraising budget and report progress to the Senior Management Team and Finance Committee 

• Act as Line Manager for the Development Officer 

This role combines strategic thinking with practical delivery and will suit someone who enjoys working in a small, committed team where no two days are the same. 

What we're looking for 

• Proven experience in fundraising, particularly trusts and foundations 

• A strong track record of writing successful funding applications generating over £250,000pa 

• Excellent relationship building and communication skills 

• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and external partners 

• Empathy with the values, mission and worshipping life of a Christian cathedral 

• A calm, organised and proactive approach, with strong attention to detail 

• A clear commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and best practice 

Experience in cathedral, church, heritage or charity settings is welcome but not essential — we are keen to hear from candidates with transferable skills from other sectors. 

Why join us? 

You will be part of a warm, committed community, working in a unique historic setting and helping ensure Portsmouth Cathedral continues to thrive for generations to come. 

 
Benefits 

• Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days per annum (FTE) plus public holidays and 2 'given' days over Christmas. Pro rata for this part-time role. 

• Employer pension contributions of 7% plus 1% employee contribution. 

• Commitment to professional development and training 

• Cash health plan 

Portsmouth Cathedral is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a member of Inclusive Church.   

Interviews in person Tuesday 5 May 2026

  

Calibre Audio is a national charity providing accessible audiobooks to people who are unable to read print due to visual impairment, dyslexia, or other conditions. Through a digital-first service and a diverse library, we enable people to experience the joy and lifelong benefits of reading.

Everyone has the legal right to equal access to information, yet only 7% of print books are converted to audio, the format needed for many disabled people. For young people, this has serious implications for their ability to learn and develop, and for the elderly, socially isolated, or disadvantaged, coming to terms with the loss of their sight, health and mobility, losing a lifelong love of the written word can be a real blow.

Calibre Audio’s vision is an inclusive society where everyone with a print disability can enjoy accessible books. The charity distribute 1,500 books daily to children and adults whose lives are transformed by access to literature. They work with all major publishers and record many of their own titles, including books unavailable elsewhere in audio. Calibre Audio are now broadening their mission to deliver wider social impact: improving literacy and education outcomes, supporting wellbeing, and tackling loneliness.

This is a pivotal role responsible for leading and growing income from trusts and foundations. Reporting to the Director of Fundraising & Communications, the postholder will develop and deliver a strategic trusts fundraising programme, securing five- and six-figure grants, building long-term partnerships, and contributing significantly to organisational sustainability and growth.

As Senior Trusts Fundraiser, you will: 

• Develop and implement a multi-year trusts and foundations strategy aligned with organisational priorities
• Identify and cultivate new funding opportunities, with a focus on high-value and multi-year grants
• Build a robust pipeline of prospective funders
• Develop compelling, high-quality funding proposals and reports
• Secure significant income from a portfolio of trusts and foundations
• Manage and grow relationships with key funders, ensuring excellent stewardship
• Work closely with colleagues across services and senior leadership to gather impact data and shape funding cases
• Act as a key ambassador for Calibre Audio with external stakeholders

Essential skills and experience: 

• Proven track record of securing five-figure+ income from trusts and foundations
• Excellent written skills, with the ability to craft persuasive, tailored proposals
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate organisational need into compelling cases for support
• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines

Desirable:

• Experience securing six-figure or multi-year grants
• Knowledge of the charity, disability, literacy, or arts sectors
• Advanced CRM skills (preferably Beacon CRM) and pipeline management

Employee benefits include: 

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with an additional day at Christmas
• 7.5% employer pension contribution

Senior Trusts Fundraiser
37.5 hours per week
Hybrid / London
£ 38,000 to £42,000 DOE
1 day per week minimum in London Office with Willingness to travel locally and nationally is essential

There when it matters

About the role:

This role will develop and maintain relationships with trusts, foundations and statutory funders through updates and other bespoke communications in order to maximise income.

You will create funding applications which result in significant five- and six-figure gifts in support of Sue Ryder’s vision and mission. Monitor and report progress towards income targets and other agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

About you:

• Experience of maintaining relationships with funders and designing and implementing tailored donor care and stewardship plans.
• Experience of researching new prospects and of developing pipelines of activity.
• Experience of working with Senior Managers/Directors and committee members.
• Experience of Raiser’s Edge or a similar customer relationship management system and maintaining accurate records.
• A collaborative team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Essential Criteria:

• Significant experience of securing income from trusts and foundations over £50,000.
• Experience of producing high quality applications and updates for donors giving at the five and six- figure funding level.
• Experience of producing budgets suitable for five- and six- figure funding requests.
• Experience of cultivating prospects, initiating conversations and planning and hosting service visits with donors.

Sue Ryder is here to make sure everyone approaching the end of their life or living with grief can access the support they need. There is no one size fits all when it comes to how we cope and the help we need, but with our support, no one has to face dying or grief alone.

Benefits
• Company pension scheme
• 27 days holiday - rising to 33 with length of service plus bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Enhanced sick pay
• Employee Networks - LGBTQ+, Ethnic Diversity and Equality, People with Disabilities, and Women and Non Binary Individuals
• Staff discount of 10% on new goods online
• Structured induction programme and learning and development opportunities.

We actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds to help us to provide the best possible experience for the people who use our services and continue to make Sue Ryder a great place to work, and attract and recruit the best, most diverse workforce possible.
We are particularly interested in increasing applications from the global majority, LGBTQIA+ and people with disabilities as they are currently underrepresented in our organisation.

For more information on our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion work, please visit our website.

If you want more than just a job, we want you.
Join the team and be there when it matters.

Closing date: 13th April 2026
Interviews: CV’s reviewed as received

We reserve the right to close this advert prior to the closing date should we feel we have a sufficient number of suitable applications.

Location: London (Hybrid. One day per week if commutable. One day per month for remote candidates.)
Salary: £38,000 to £42,000 DOE
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Employment Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 13 April 2026

Help secure transformational funding at a nationally respected charity
We are looking for a Senior Trusts Fundraiser who can inspire major funders and help unlock significant income. The Trusts team has grown strongly over the past two years and the area continues to be resilient. This vacancy has been open since Christmas and offers an exciting opportunity to join a team with strong leadership, a supportive culture and a wide portfolio of impactful projects.

You will work on substantial bids at the two hundred thousand pound level and above. The role involves navigating the breadth and complexity of a large national organisation. It also offers the chance to develop compelling cases for support, fuelled by recently funded capital improvements and innovative services such as online bereavement counselling. There is a wide range of fundraising opportunities and no shortage of inspiring work to present to funders.

This role is ideal for someone who is ready to take the next step and has the confidence and capability to work at the scale expected by major national charities.

About the role

• Build and steward relationships with significant trust, foundation and statutory funders.
• Lead on high value applications for five and six figure gifts, including bids worth two hundred thousand pounds or more.
• Produce persuasive, tailored proposals and budgets for major funders.
• Manage a forward looking pipeline and meet agreed income targets.
• Plan and deliver cultivation activity including meetings and service visits.
• Record and track activity using a fundraising CRM.
• Work collaboratively across teams throughout a complex national organisation.

About you

• Significant experience securing income from trusts and foundations at a high level.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to produce compelling proposals.
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and external partners.
• Ability to manage your own workload and take initiative in cultivating supporters.
• Strong relationship building skills and a collaborative approach.
• Willingness to travel nationally with occasional evening and weekend commitments.

Our values
You will bring supportive, connected and impactful behaviours to your work. You will listen with care, collaborate with colleagues and help deliver meaningful change for the people the organisation exists to support.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

We are looking for a Senior Trusts Fundraiser to develop and maintain relationships with trusts, foundations and statutory funders through updates and other bespoke communications in order to maximise income.

This is a hybrid role with 1 day a week in the London office, and local and national travel when needed. If based outside of London, home working may be considered with once a month in the London office.

The Charity
A long standing well known hospice, dedicated to supporting people through the most difficult times of their lives.
You would be be joining a highly respected organisation, with an inclusive working culture, offering fantastic benefits including:
Company pension scheme
27 days holiday - rising to 33 with length of service plus bank holidays
Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
Enhanced sick pay
Employee Networks - LGBTQ+, Ethnic Diversity and Equality, People with Disabilities, and Women and Non Binary Individuals
Staff discount of 10% on new goods online 
Structured induction programme and learning and development opportunities.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Trusts, in a lovely team of three. You will play a lead role and help the team raise their income target of c£1.7m income from a range of Trusts and Foundations.

This role will develop and maintain relationships with trusts, foundations and statutory funders through updates and other bespoke communications in order to maximise income.

You will develop compelling funding applications aimed at grants above £30k to secure five- and six-figure gifts in support of the charites vision and mission.

Monitor and report progress towards income targets and other agreed KPIs.

The Candidate

• You will need a strong track record of securing five and ideally six figure gifts, including warming up cold Trust relationships to secure income.
• Experience of maintaining relationships with funders and designing and implementing tailored donor care and stewardship plans.
• Experience of researching new prospects and of developing pipelines of activity.
• Experience of producing budgets suitable for five- and six- figure funding requests.
• Experience of cultivating prospects, initiating conversations and planning and hosting service visits with donors.
• Experience of working with Senior Managers/Directors and committee members.
• A collaborative team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent 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.

The Trusts and Foundations (T&F) Officer is an integral part of the Philanthropy team, managing relationships with high value supporters. They are responsible for a portfolio of approximately 40-50 Trusts and Foundations donors, primarily giving between £25k-£100k, but also with the potential to include those giving below and above that level, to support with team capacity and best stewardship. The Trusts and Foundations (T&F) Officer will build strong and strategic relationships with donors, ensuring continued support of MSF.

They are also responsible for seeking and securing new funding from prospective trusts and foundations at the £25k-£100k level. Their overall focus is on delivering stable, new and increased income for MSF's work, and feeding into the  Philanthropy team strategy around the retention and acquisition of new trust donors. 

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in shaping Sift's future at a pivotal moment in our journey. 

We support people affected by self-harm with compassionate, non-judgemental services, and demand for our work is growing. As we look ahead to the next phase of development, we are investing in fundraising to help us reach more people who need support. 

We are looking for an experienced, values-led fundraiser who is excited by the opportunity to build, influence, and make a tangible difference. 

Working closely with the CEO, you will lead our fundraising efforts and help us move from a reactive to a more proactive, strategic approach to income generation. 

What you’ll do 

You will play a key role in developing our fundraising including: 

• Leading on fundraising for trusts and foundations fundraising

• Building and managing a strong pipeline of funding opportunities

• Supporting the development of a major donor pipeline

• Overseeing delivery of targeted appeals and up to two campaigns per year

• Strengthening funder relationships and long-term stewardship

Why this role matters 

This role is central to our future. 
Your work will directly increase access to safe, compassionate support for people affected by self-harm and enable us to widen our influence across systems and communities. 

Why join us? 

• Real impact: Work that makes a tangible impact

• Flexibility: A part-time role with flexibility 

• Autonomy: Scope to shape and develop our fundraising approach 

• Purpose-driven culture: A small, collaborative team that puts people first

• A pivotal moment: Be part of an organisation evolving and growing its reach

What we’re looking for 

We’re looking for someone who brings both experience and a strong alignment with our values: 

• Proven fundraising experience (particularly trusts and foundations)

• Ability to work independently and prioritise effectively

• Strong writing skills and the ability to tell compelling stories

• Confidence in building and managing relationships

• A thoughtful, proactive approach with a high level of self-direction

If you’re looking for a role where you can shape strategy, work with purpose, and see the real-world impact of your work, we’d love to hear from you. Download the full recruitment pack for more details. We look forward to your application. 

The Sutton Trust is the UK’s leading social mobility charity. We believe every young person should have a fair chance in life, regardless of their family’s income, the school they go to or where they grow up. But today in Britain, the opportunity to succeed is heavily shaped by socio-economic background. Our mission is to change this. Our programmes empower young people to access life-changing opportunities, and our research influences national change to deliver a fairer future.

Each year, together with our university and employer partners, we support over 14,000 young people to reach their potential through our university, apprenticeship, and career access programmes. And our support does not stop there. We engage our thriving alumni community to help them to succeed in their professions and to act as advocates for social mobility.

Our rigorous and extensive research shines a light on barriers to opportunity from the early years to the workplace, and we strive to influence national policy change with evidence-based solutions to tackle educational and workplace inequality. Using insights from our programmes and research, we also test and scale new ideas in education and employment practice.

As an independent charity, our work is entirely reliant on the generous support of our community of donors. The need to support our work to tackle Britain’s low social mobility has never been greater.

Fundraising at the Sutton Trust

We are seeking a dynamic and driven fundraiser to be our Trusts and Foundations Manager. The Sutton Trust is at an exciting point in our organisational journey, with a new Chairperson and ambitions to significantly grow our impact and fundraising as part of our 2030 strategy.

Over the past five years the impact of the Sutton Trust has increased, especially in our programme numbers, securing a relatively stable income of c.£6m over a number of years. In recent years this has grown to c.£7m, and our organisational strategy to 2030 will continue this fundraising trajectory to increase income to £12m. Trusts and foundations income currently accounts for c.37% of our fundraising, and we know there is considerable enthusiasm and opportunity in the grant-making world for building strategic partnerships with us.

Our fundraising approach will continue to focus on driving towards major gifts and strategic multi-year partnerships, leveraging a range of drivers to secure Trust, Foundation and Statutory support.

The Role and Team

As Trusts and Foundations Manager (maternity cover), you will be an experienced, proactive relationship manager and fundraiser. You will be confident in delivering high quality reporting and stewardship to a wide variety of Trusts, Foundations, Statutory and organisational donors, as well as proactively approaching funding prospects and preparing applications to secure funds.

We have strong relationships with a range of trusts and foundations, and over the fixed term contract period we are looking for a confident fundraiser to manage and support a portfolio of funders as cover for a maternity leave within the Development team.

The role will contribute to growing the portfolio of Trusts, Foundations, and organisational donors (predominantly at the five-figure level), while also providing strategic support on grant management of our major six-and-seven-figure Trust and Foundation partners. This will include compiling key reports and supporting the gathering and analysing programmatic data. You will work closely with colleagues across both the Development Department, including the Development Director, and the wider organisation.

Main duties

New Business

• Undertake prospect research into trusts and foundations, statutory opportunities (contracts or grants), and organisational funders in collaboration with Trusts and Foundations colleagues, and other senior staff and senior volunteers. This includes identification, due diligence, qualification, and creating briefings and outreach plans.

• Work with Trusts and Foundations colleagues to cultivate a prospect pool of potential donors, looking at lapsed supporters, the prospect pipeline, stakeholder network mapping through the Board and Trustees, as well as funders with an active interest in education / social mobility.

• Submit compelling funding proposals and reports to mid-level trusts, foundations, statutory and organisational donors to secure income (predominately at the five-figure level) for the Trust. Work alongside other Development team and wider organisation members to ensure high-quality submissions.

• Alongside team members, manage the shared Development inbox to ensure all enquiries are dealt with in a prompt, consistent, and friendly manner.

• Follow all relevant policies and processes to ensure due diligence is completed for prospective donors and that income projections and plans for the portfolio are kept up to date.

Account Management and Development

• Manage and grow a small portfolio of trusts, foundations, statutory supporters, and organisational donors, delivering impactful stewardship (e.g. impact reporting) while meeting all donor reporting requirements to maximise financial income and partnership longevity.

• Support senior team members on strategic management of our major trust and foundation partners, including leading on compiling key impact reports, coordinating meetings, attending programme visits, event invites, writing targeted donor communications and reporting.

• Work with the Head of Fundraising Operations to compile and analyse key programmatic data for use by the Development team in their grant reporting.

• Be accountable for achieving agreed trusts and foundations income targets, looking for opportunities to grow funding and diversify income for this stream.

• Ensure all record keeping and administration relating to trusts and foundations income is maintained, up-to-date, and processed in accordance with GDPR and Sutton Trust policies and procedures.

Fundraising Finance and Reporting

• Act as an ambassador for the Trust with external audiences, delivering presentations and providing expertise as required.

• Work with colleagues to deliver impactful events to cultivate prospects and steward partners, with a focus on experience for trust and foundation supporters and prospects.

• Work with colleagues across Development and Finance to ensure accurate forecasting, income tracking and reporting for trusts and foundations income, through the Trust’s CRM (Salesforce), account management plans, and all relevant income pipeline documents.

• Ensure you appropriately follow policies and procedures on due diligence, Salesforce and data management, account management, stewardship, and reporting.

• Stay up to date with grant fundraising best practice, learning from senior members of the team, and keep abreast of developments and opportunities within the wider fundraising space.

• Other duties as necessary from time to time.

Person Specification

We welcome applications from individuals who have:

• Experience in successfully securing, managing, and developing Trust, Foundation, Statutory or organisational donor partnerships at four and five figure-level, from initial prospect research to securing income and ongoing grant management.

• Experience building and managing relationships, particularly in the philanthropic sector with organisational donors.

• Strong presentation skills and the ability to write compelling proposals and impact reports, or pitch to audiences with the intent of persuading them to your point of view or secure a specific outcome.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to summarise information from readily available sources clearly and concisely.

• Experience managing multiple priorities and tasks to successfully achieve project or other goals.

• Excellent prospect research skills and strong analytical skills.

• First-class interpersonal skills - a natural ambassador able to represent the Sutton Trust with confidence in a range of settings.

• Knowledge of fundraising in the education and/or not-for-profit sector.

• Experience using CRM software (ideally Salesforce) to accurately record funding relationships (desirable).

We are also looking for an individual who:

• Sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and its mission to address educational disadvantage and increase social mobility.

• Able to take the initiative and take responsibility for a wide variety of tasks and projects.

• Strong communicator, skilled at persuading others through writing and conversation.

• Enjoy working with impact and outcomes data to create compelling narratives for reporting purposes (desirable).

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Able to multi-task and prioritise multiple funder relationships.

• Able to work independently and as part of a team.

• Is eligible to work in the UK (see here for information about right to work)

Terms of Appointment

• Contract: Full-time, Fixed term contract until 31 August 2027

• Salary: £42,000-£47,000

• Working location: Minimum of two office days per week. Our home working policy gives staff the option to - work from home for up to 60% of the time, with approval from their line manager.

• Office location: The Sutton Trust, 9th Floor, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP.

• Hours: The standard working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. This role is likely to also be required to attend events / meetings outside of normal working hours during weekday evenings and occasionally at weekends, in line with organisational policies.

• Safeguarding: DBS check may be required.

Interviews

Applications should reach us by 10am, Monday 13th April , with first round interviews held with first round interviews held on Tuesday, 21st April, and second round interviews held on Tuesday, 28th April. Both rounds will be held in our London office.

Safeguarding statement

The Sutton Trust believes that a child, young person or vulnerable adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We all have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. Therefore all posts undergo a safer recruitment process, including but not limited to, disclosure of criminal records where necessary and eligibility to work in the UK. We have procedures in place to promote safeguarding and a safe culture at the Trust.

Contextual recruitment

The Trust is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and that all applicants receive equal consideration for employment. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including those underrepresented at present at the Trust, to apply for this role. As such we particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities, Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ and from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds. We are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming place to work and know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the young people we support.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled candidates throughout our recruitment process and during employment.

We also operate contextual recruitment at the Sutton Trust. Our application process gives you the option to include information about your background, such as whether you were eligible for free school meals, whether your parents went to university, or whether you attended a state school. For more examples and information on contextual recruitment, please see our website.

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)

Hours: 37 hours per week

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.

Job title: Senior Development Manager

Contract type: 1-year contract, 3-days per week (21hrs per week, standard office hours are 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday. Work outside these hours is required on occasions. Flexible working subject to agreement).

Start date: April 2026

Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 per annum 

Holiday: 25 days + Public Holidays pro rata

Pension: Generous workplace pension scheme

Location: London, Somerset House 

Reporting to: Director

Travel: Occasional travel to projects and events may be required.

Safeguarding: In line with Art Explora’s Safeguarding Policy, all staff are required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which Art Explora will carry out upon appointment.

Art Explora’s mission is to tackle the social, economic and geographic barriers that prevent many people from having the opportunity to take part in the arts.

The role 

Art Explora UK is a small but entrepreneurial arts charity looking for an experienced fundraiser to join our dynamic team and help us implement a new fundraising strategy, and achieve our ambitious and exciting targets at a time of growth and opportunity.

This is a flexible part-time role for someone who is happy working independently, while liaising closely with the Director, Programme Heads and Trustees. On-boarding and hand-over will be with the current Fundraising Consultant. The Senior Development Manager will identify, cultivate, solicit, and manage funders and prospects, working across public sector, trusts, foundations and corporate supporters.  A particular focus will be on securing support for two high-profile, flagship programmes: Time Odyssey and the Mobile Museum, however there is significant potential to expand this scope of work.

The Senior Development Manager will be someone who thinks creatively, seizes opportunity and, with excellent inter-personal skills, brings experience, energy and drive to attract donors and prospects to the Charity’s exciting mission to innovate forms of engagement and increase access to arts and culture.

Specific Responsibilities

• Deliver against a 6-figure fundraising target, taking responsibility for a cohort of prospects, with a focus on trusts, foundations, public sector and corporate partners.

• Write compelling proposals/applications and reports for trusts and foundations, to engage supporters and demonstrate the impact of our work.

• Collaborate with colleagues, in particular the Director and Programme Heads, to source programme information, schedule meetings/calls with prospects, writing excellent briefing notes in advance.

• Adhere to best practice in prospect cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, and ensure the due diligence policies in place are followed.

• Deliver the highest level of donor care through excellent communication skills: building rapport with prospects and donors, and ensuring correspondence is appropriate and consistent.

• Set up and deliver cultivation events for prospects and donors that highlight the work of Art Explora and associated opportunities to support.

• Work closely with press/marketing to ensure messaging and brand identity is aligned.

Key outcomes

• Achieve fundraising target

• Expand and progress the existing pipeline of prospects and donors

• Demonstrate highest level of prospect/donor interaction and relations – actions that result in an engaged and informed donor pool

• Produce excellent and regular donor communications, both written and in-person.

• Submit in a timely fashion proposals and reports.

• Deliver excellent development events as required, within budget.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• 4+ years’ experience in donor-facing fundraising, with a focus on the arts/education sector. 

• Highly organised with the ability to work at pace and manage a number of projects and priorities simultaneously.

• Demonstrable experience of working to and meeting challenging fundraising targets; proven ability to secure six-figures awards.

• Experience of independently managing a designated group of donors and prospects and moving those relationships forward to successful outcomes.

• An understanding of and commitment to excellent stewardship and donor care

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; a developed ability to influence and inspire donors and prospects around a given cause or project.

• Confidence to drive forward relationships with donors and prospects, meeting independently and presenting proposals face-to-face and in writing.

• Flexibility to occasionally work outside of normal office hours and travel to various locations as required.

• A passion for the arts and an understanding of the arts education landscape.

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, please feel free to enquire and learn more.

Deadline: 11:59pm Sunday 12  April 2026.

The interviews will be the week commencing 20 April.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds. We strive to promote an inclusive environment, which celebrates and promotes diversity.

For any queries regarding eligibility or the job specification please contact Art Explora. 

Prospectus is delighted to be supporting our client in the search for a Major Donor Fundraiser. Our client is a global animal welfare organisation working to reveal suffering, rescue animals in need and protect animals under direct human influence. With a strong international presence and a mission-led approach, the organisation delivers sustainable campaigns and projects designed to create lasting change for animals worldwide. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced relationship fundraiser to join a leading international organisation and play a key role in developing high-value income across a diverse portfolio.

At Rethink Mental Illness and Mental Health UK, we’re working tirelessly to ensure that people severely affected by mental illness get the support and respect they deserve. To help us grow our impact, we’re looking for a passionate and ambitious Trusts & Grants Manager—someone who thrives on building meaningful relationships and crafting compelling cases for support.

Salary is £41,000 to £45,532 dependant on experience, plus £3000 London Allowance

If you're motivated by securing transformational funding that drives real change, this could be the perfect next step in your fundraising career.

About the role

As Trusts & Grants Manager, you’ll play a crucial role in developing and stewarding relationships with Trusts and Foundations—both established supporters and new prospects. You will:

• Manage a portfolio of 50–100 donors and prospects with five- and six‑figure giving potential 
• Produce compelling, evidence-led funding applications that bring our work and impact to life 
• Build and nurture new funder relationships through meetings, calls, written communication and service visits 
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across Programmes, Operations and Partnerships to shape high-impact, research‑led proposals 
• Oversee applications from concept to award, reporting to donors and ensuring excellent stewardship throughout the grant lifecycle 
• Monitor sector trends and proactively shape a healthy, diverse pipeline of long-term supporters 
• Forecast income, track progress, and take early action to mitigate shortfalls when needed 

You’ll work closely with the Interim Head of Trusts & Philanthropy, the Prospect Research Manager, and a fellow Trusts & Grants Manager who focuses on Mental Health UK—acting as a key contributor to a high-performing, collaborative fundraising function.

About the team

You’ll be joining a dynamic fundraising team that generates income across Events, Community, Individual Giving, Legacies, Philanthropy, Trusts & Grants, and Corporate Partnerships. Together, we support nearly £6m of work each year across Mental Health UK and Rethink Mental Illness. 

Trusts & Grants is a well-established income stream with a strong track record—and you’ll help take it even further, securing both cornerstone grants and long-term transformational funding.

About you

You’ll excel in this role if you are:

Essential

• A skilled relationship manager with experience securing five- and six‑figure grants or major gifts
• An exceptional communicator who builds meaningful, trusting relationships with funders and senior stakeholders 
• Experienced in writing persuasive, insight‑driven funding applications and reports
• Motivated by developing a diverse, high-impact Trusts & Grants programme
• Able to respond empathetically and appropriately to emotionally sensitive situations
• A proactive team player who brings creativity and solutions-focused thinking
• Passionate about mental health and improving outcomes for those we support

Desirable

• Knowledge of CRM systems such as Salesforce
• An understanding of GDPR in relation to data and fundraising
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities

Ready to make a difference?

If you’re excited by the idea of building a high-impact Trusts & Grants portfolio and driving transformational change, we’d love to hear from you.

Join us—and help shape a future where everyone affected by mental illness gets the support they need and deserve.

Greenpeace is a movement of people who are passionate about defending the natural world from destruction. Their vision is a world where everyone has equal access to clean air, water, and energy; where the nature we love is protected, precious habitats are restored and communities are united by ambitious climate action.

Greenpeace UK’s mission is to halve emissions and restore biodiversity by the end of this decade in a fair and equitable way. Their three-year plan outlines how Greenpeace UK (GPUK) is going to play a vital role in getting there.

The Key Relationships programme sits at the heart of Greenpeace UK’s fundraising, securing the philanthropic investment that powers its campaigning work. The team raises around £15–16 million annually from major donors, trusts and foundations, and legacies, contributing significantly to the organisation’s wider fundraising income of approximately £37 million.

We are now seeking a Deputy Head of Major Gifts to play a pivotal role within this high-performing and evolving team. This is a newly created position, designed to increase capacity and support ambitious income growth, with significant scope for the successful candidate to shape and define the role.

Blending trusts and foundations with high-net-worth individual fundraising, this role will focus on building and stewarding a mixed portfolio of donors while strengthening Greenpeace UK’s climate philanthropy. It is a highly donor-facing position, suited to someone who thrives on relationship building and is motivated by the opportunity to drive meaningful income in support of urgent environmental change.

This is an exciting moment to join Greenpeace UK. Following a period of organisational change, this is a newly created role which will enable Greenpeace UK to meet ambitious growth in income and unlock opportunities to grow funding for climate campaigns in particular.

As Deputy Head of Major Gifts, you will:

• Manage a portfolio of major donors, trusts, and foundations giving £100,000+, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding long-term partnerships
• Personally secure six- and seven-figure gifts in support of Greenpeace UK’s strategic priorities
• Play a key role in strengthening Greenpeace UK’s climate philanthropy
• Develop and deliver compelling funding propositions aligned with Greenpeace’s strategic priorities
• Build and deepen relationships with key funders and prospects, increasing external engagement and visibility
• Contribute to prospecting strategy, identifying and progressing new opportunities across both T&F and HNWI audience
• Work collaboratively across fundraising, campaigns and communications to deliver integrated, high-impact fundraising approaches
• Act as a senior member of the team, contributing to planning, strategy and a strong, collaborative team culture

This role would suit a relationship-led fundraiser ready to step into a broader, more strategic position, or an experienced manager looking to deepen their impact across major gifts. You will thrive in a role with significant autonomy, confident operating in a fast-evolving environment and shaping both your own portfolio and the wider programme.

Essential skills and experience:

• A strong track record in high-value fundraising, across trusts & foundations (including family foundations) AND major donors
• The ability to work across a blended T&F and HNWI model, regardless of your core specialism
• Personally securing six-figure gifts from T&Fs and major donors
• Experience managing a portfolio of donors and funders within a complex, values-driven, or global organisation
• Proven success engaging senior stakeholders, including Board members, and philanthropic networks
• A proactive, self-starting approach, with the ability to shape a new role and drive activity forward
• Effective collaborator, able to work seamlessly across fundraising, campaigns, and international teams
• A commitment to Greenpeace’s mission, values and independence

Desirable:

• Experience of securing 7-figure gifts from trusts & foundations and/or major donors
• Experience in capital campaign fundraising and cross-market collaboration
• Experience of climate or environmental philanthropy

Diversity and Inclusion

Greenpeace UK recognise the value in having a diverse workforce, as well as the importance of creating equal opportunities for all. Applications are welcomed and encouraged from people of all backgrounds.

Applications are particularly encouraged from people of colour, disabled people, and people who identify as working class now or in the past.

Candidates will be selected based on how well they meet the criteria for the role and all applicants will be treated fairly throughout the recruitment process. 

If you have any specific requirements which would enable you to participate in the recruitment process more fully, in particular if these relate to a disability or access issue, please see page 11 of the applicant pack for contact details. If you require the job pack in a different format, please get in touch and we will happily provide you with one.

Anti-racism and inclusion commitments

Greenpeace UK wants its team to reflect the diversity of the communities it works alongside. It is committed to fairness, inclusion, and challenging discrimination and oppression in all its forms.

The environmental sector still has further to go when it comes to representation. Greenpeace UK has published ambitious race representation targets and, through its Anti Racism Plan, is working proactively to achieve stronger representation of people of colour, particularly within leadership positions.

As part of this commitment, a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) is being piloted. Greenpeace UK aims to offer an interview to everyone who opts into the scheme and meets the essential criteria. Guaranteed interview applications will be processed by QuarterFive and shared only with the Greenpeace UK recruiting manager and HR team.

If you identify as a person of colour and meet the essential criteria for the role, you can choose to opt in to the Guaranteed Interview Scheme via the link on page 2 of the applicant pack.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Research shows that women and people of colour may hesitate to apply unless they meet every area of the person specification. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet all the criteria, you are encouraged to apply.

Employee benefits

Benefits include: 

• 25 days annual leave for full-time staff, with additional leave accrued according to length of service up to a maximum of 32 days
• Once a month, all Greenpeace staff take an organisational ‘breather’ day where the office closes with no expectations of output on these days
• Office closure normally occurs between Christmas and new year and staff are not required to use annual leave to cover this period
• Employer pension contribution of 8.5% of basic salary, provided employees contribute at least 3%
• Interest free season ticket loan, or a tax efficient bicycle loan
• Life assurance scheme (4 x annual salary)
• Employee Assistance Programme that includes access to free confidential advice with a qualified counsellor

"I can honestly say my three years at Settle have been the best years of my fundraising career." (outgoing Head of Fundraising and Senior Leadership Team member Penny Day).

100% of staff would recommend Settle as a great place to work.
95% of staff would agree that Settle is a welcoming and inclusive organisation. 

When young people in care turn 18, all the support they’ve relied on can fall away, literally overnight.  Suddenly, they have to navigate adulthood on their own. This would be tough for any teenager, even if they could fall back on their family for help. So it’s not surprising that two out of three care-experienced young people feel unprepared to leave care. Too many still don’t get the support they need to make it safely past this cliff edge.

Care leavers aged 18-21 are nine times more likely to experience homelessness than their peers.

Settle exists to change this. We’re an award-winning charity, supporting care-experienced young people as they move into their first home, so they can confidently transition into independent living, avoid eviction and homelessness, and establish the foundations they need to thrive in adulthood. We are on a mission to end homelessness among care-experienced young people.

With our current Head of Fundraising leaving us to go travelling, we’re seeking someone new to help us achieve this ambition. You’ll have a lot to build on. Over the last three years, we’ve grown our income dramatically, and diversified our funder portfolio. We have strong relationships with our committed and supportive funders, underpinned by an organisation-wide commitment to fundraising.

This is a crucial role for Settle, and you’ll have the support you need to excel. In 2025, we grew our fundraising team from one (this post) to three. You’ll take on the leadership of an engaged and enthusiastic team, increasingly responsible for day-to-day management of trust and foundation fundraising. As well as inspiring the team to great things, you’ll have the opportunity to develop and deepen our relationships with philanthropists and high net worth individuals. You’ll have active support and engagement from me and the Board, with regular opportunities to involve trustees in your work.

As we head into future years, you’ll lead the development and delivery of our next fundraising strategy. We’re proud of our welcoming, inclusive and collaborative culture. We’re committed to staff wellbeing, with regular socials and time away as a team, and four wellbeing days every year on top of generous annual leave. You’ll play a key leadership role in fostering this culture and shaping Settle as we grow.

If this opportunity sounds as exciting to you as it does to us, we’d love to hear from you. We are also happy to share more about our fundraising so do request this when you get in touch. 

We’d love to hear from you if:

✷  You are passionate about making a significant contribution to our mission to end homelessness among care-experienced young people, and want to use your skills to help Settle reach more young people

✷  You are an outstanding communicator, with excellent storytelling skills in person and in writing, and the ability to craft and share a compelling vision and case for support

✷  You’re a strategic thinker with excellent analytical skills and the ability to translate strategy into clear decisions and action

✷  You are a values-driven leader, committed to bringing out the best in your team and supporting them to stretch and develop

✷  You are self-motivated and organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, and maintain progress while responding to emerging opportunities

✷  You are financially literate and able to work effectively with numbers and financial information

✷  You are willing and able to support managers in other teams, cover for other members of Settle’s Senior Leadership Team when necessary, and play a wider leadership role in the organisation

✷  You are dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion into all areas of your work

EXPERIENCE NEEDED FOR THIS ROLE

ESSENTIAL

✷  Significant track record of raising funds from trusts and foundations

✷  Experience of securing major gifts, donations or grants from high net worth individuals or family foundations

✷  Experience of building and maintaining strong relationships with funders or other senior external stakeholders

✷  Substantial experience of preparing funding applications and reports

✷  Experience of line managing and leading high performing teams, with the ability to coach, motivate and develop others

✷  Experience of developing and effectively delivering strategy

DESIRABLE

✷  Knowledge of youth homelessness, the care system or other relevant issues facing young people

✷  Experience of leading a growing team or contributing to organisational growth

BENEFITS

✷  Scope to take real ownership of a key strategic priority in a fast-growing charity

✷  Flexible working arrangements

✷  40 days paid leave per year: 25 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 3 days between Christmas and New Year and 4 personal wellbeing days

✷  Regular 1:1s with the Chief Executive and active support of the Senior Leadership Team and Board for Settle’s fundraising strategy

✷  Strong commitment to professional development with a dedicated individual training budget and a line manager dedicated to supporting your growth

✷  Annual performance and pay progression reviews

✷  Up to 6% pension contribution

✷  Cycle to work scheme

✷  Employee Assistance Programme offering free therapy

✷  Work phone and laptop

✷  A supportive and inclusive culture with regular team social events and annual all staff away day

MORE KEY INFO

Hours: The hours are full-time (35 hours per week) preferred, with attendance at funder events outside core hours as needed from time to time – part-time will be considered for the right candidate but we envisage at least 0.8FTE / 28 hours per week

Location: Hybrid working between our office in London Bridge and working from home – our standard expectation is at least 2 days a week of contact time (in the office, funder meetings or events). We have a monthly in person team meeting on a Wednesday, and hold our monthly SLT meetings in person on a Tuesday. 

Flexibility: Settle is committed to flexible working and will work with the successful candidate to agree mutually positive working arrangements

HOW TO APPLY

Charlotte Wilmot at Eardley Wilmot is managing this appointment on our behalf and will be delighted to support you with your application. Please send your CV together with any questions to her directly in the first instance.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and a member of the Care Leaver Covenant. We are actively trying to increase the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds. Please see our website for more information on our approach to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

We also guarantee an interview for care-experienced applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role because we want to increase the representation of lived experience in the team.

We aim to make the interview process as accessible as possible so please do not hesitate to let Charlotte know if you require any reasonable adjustments.

The closing date for the role is Friday 17 April with interviews taking place in the week commencing 27 April.

We really look forward to hearing from you!