Senior trusts and foundations manager jobs
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At OCD Action we have a big vision and we have decided to invest in our fundraising team to help us secure the income our organisation needs to drive our work forward.
OCD Action exists because it takes 7 years on average for people affected by OCD to get the treatment that they need. OCD is debilitating, isolating and destroys lives, but it is treatable. Sadly the wait for treatment, for too many is too long. We are working, with the OCD Community, for a time, when OCD is well understood and everyone gets the treatment and support they need when they need it. Until that day arrives, we are committed to ensuring everyone affected by OCD has access to high quality support, information and guidance.
As Senior Trust and Foundations Officer you will support the delivery of our vision by growing our portfolio of Trusts and Foundations, crafting exceptionally high quality and persuasive applications for three, four and five figure bids and managing all successful and existing grants.
We are a small but highly effective team at OCD Action, if you join us you will work closely with our service delivery team and have the opportunity to see the impact of your work. We are looking for someone who is passionate about improving outcomes for people affected by OCD and can channel this into ambitious, creative and persuasive grant applications. This role requires someone who enjoys working with people and is adept at building networks and maintaining effective relationships. This role may be particularly suited to someone who has supported with the development of Trust applications in a larger organisation and is looking to develop their skills or to work with increased flexibility.
We aim to make working for OCD Action, work for you. We have a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave plus 8 statutory bank holidays (pro rata for part-time roles) ensuring fair entitlement for all working patterns. Flexible working and blended home / office working is welcome, you can agree your hours, office/home pattern with your manager as long as all commitments, responsibilities and meetings are covered. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we are actively building a team that fully reflects and best supports the OCD community.
If you think this is the opportunity for you, please complete the application form attached. We look forward to hearing from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Alongside team members, manage the shared Development inbox to ensure all enquiries are dealt with in a prompt, consistent, and friendly manner.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Work with the Head of Fundraising Operations to compile and analyse key programmatic data for use by the Development team in their grant reporting.
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Be accountable for achieving agreed trusts and foundations income targets, looking for opportunities to grow funding and diversify income for this stream.
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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
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Act as an ambassador for the Trust with external audiences, delivering presentations and providing expertise as required.
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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.
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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.
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Ensure you appropriately follow policies and procedures on due diligence, Salesforce and data management, account management, stewardship, and reporting.
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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.
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Other duties as necessary from time to time.
Person Specification
We welcome applications from individuals who have:
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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.
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Experience building and managing relationships, particularly in the philanthropic sector with organisational donors.
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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.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to summarise information from readily available sources clearly and concisely.
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Experience managing multiple priorities and tasks to successfully achieve project or other goals.
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Excellent prospect research skills and strong analytical skills.
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First-class interpersonal skills - a natural ambassador able to represent the Sutton Trust with confidence in a range of settings.
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Knowledge of fundraising in the education and/or not-for-profit sector.
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Experience using CRM software (ideally Salesforce) to accurately record funding relationships (desirable).
We are also looking for an individual who:
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Sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and its mission to address educational disadvantage and increase social mobility.
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Able to take the initiative and take responsibility for a wide variety of tasks and projects.
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Strong communicator, skilled at persuading others through writing and conversation.
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Enjoy working with impact and outcomes data to create compelling narratives for reporting purposes (desirable).
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Excellent attention to detail.
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Able to multi-task and prioritise multiple funder relationships.
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Able to work independently and as part of a team.
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Is eligible to work in the UK (see here for information about right to work)
Terms of Appointment
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Contract: Full-time, Fixed term contract until 31 August 2027
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Salary: £42,000-£47,000
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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.
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Office location: The Sutton Trust, 9th Floor, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP.
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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.
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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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Lead and Direct Income Generation and Future Fundraising for Swindon Food Collective
The role has key responsibility for all income generation activities at Swindon Food Collective. This includes high-profile networking with local businesses, corporations and the public sector, processing grant applications, growing and managing key corporate partnerships and significantly increasing fundraising activities. This is a senior role and the role-holder will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The work involves undertaking frequent travel to local corporations, businesses, and wider public sector stakeholders.
Role Purpose
To design, deliver and secure a multi-stream recurring income generation strategy, manage charity-wide philanthropy, and strengthen long-term financial resilience.
Key responsibilities
Strategy and planning
• Develop and deliver a 12–24-month income generation plan aligned to SFC priorities and the Trustee Strategy & Fundraising Committee.
• Build a balanced income mix (corporate, philanthropy, trusts, community and digital where appropriate), with clear targets and resource assumptions.
• Produce compelling cases for support and pitch materials tailored to different audiences.
Corporate partnerships and sponsorship
• Identify, cultivate and secure corporate partnerships and sponsorships (including 'charity of the year' and payroll giving where feasible).
• Design partnership packages (benefits, brand alignment, staff engagement, volunteering) and manage delivery and stewardship.
• Work closely with the Brand Ambassador & Events Manager to convert event leads into partnership conversations.
Philanthropy, major donors and relationship fundraising
• Build and steward relationships with high-value supporters, ensuring excellent donor care and personalised stewardship.
• Manage a prospect pipeline (research, cultivation plans, asks, stewardship and renewals).
• Coordinate CEO and trustee involvement in high-value relationships where appropriate.
Trusts, foundations and grant fundraising
• Own the trusts and foundations pipeline, from identifying funders to writing compelling bids and submitting applications.
• Coordinate impact evidence and data collection across SFC to strengthen applications and reporting.
• Complete and undertake all funding and grant applications (corporate and public sector) in a timely fashion and ahead of relevant deadlines. Report funding progress to stakeholders.
• Ensure timely and high-quality funder reporting and relationship management.
Performance management, systems and compliance
• Manage income forecasting, budgeting and ROI tracking; set and monitor KPIs and provide clear reporting to CEO/Board.
• Maintain accurate records in the CRM (or agreed system), ensuring GDPR compliance and strong data quality.
• Ensure fundraising activity aligns with relevant fundraising standards and ethical practice.
Leadership and organisational contribution
• Senior Leadership Team member: contribute to organisational planning, budgeting and risk management.
• Work collaboratively across operations and volunteering functions to ensure fundraising promises align with delivery capability and safeguarding requirements.
• Coach and support colleagues and volunteers who contribute to income generation activity.
• Other tasks as relevant / determined by the CEO.
Thank you for your interest in Swindon Food Collective. We wish you the very best with your application.
Candidates should live within the Swindon area and be able to commute to local enterprises as required.
This is a Director role and a member of the Senior Leadership Team reporting directly to the CEO.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are a small and passionate team making a tangible difference to the lives of families. We are hiring a Senior Communications Manager, to oversee and run our media and external communications, who will bring expertise and creativity to the organisation. If you're an experienced media operator and exceptional mission-driven communicator, and looking for your next big challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
Please see attached full job description.
We are determined that every baby should experience the best start in life.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title:
Senior Grants Officer
Reporting To:
Grants Manager
Salary:
£31,125 – £39,826
Hours:
37.5 hours per week
Duration:
Permanent
Location:
Alder Hey Children’s Charity, Liverpool / Hybrid working
Job Purpose
We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our grants team to support the charity in delivering approximately £5m of grant awards per year.
The Senior Grants Officer will play an active role in supporting Alder Hey Children’s Charity’s grant development and awarding process, liaising with Trust colleagues on grant applications and awards.
The post holder will work closely with fundraising teams to support donor asks and ongoing stewardship.
They will also support the Grants Manager in developing systems and processes for effective grant management, including maintaining up-to-date records on Salesforce.
Main Duties / Tasks
Grant Programme Delivery & Oversight
- Oversee application pipelines and grant status, ensuring efficient progression and escalating issues where required
- Monitor applications in development, ensuring alignment with Charity priorities and Theory of Change model
- Support small grants assessment meetings, including follow-up actions such as applicant liaison and issuing grant letters
- Respond to enquiries from grant holders, managing or escalating risks and underperformance
- Ensure fundraising teams are kept informed where external funds are attached to grants
Applicant & Stakeholder Support
- Act as a primary point of contact for grant applicants, advising on eligibility, criteria and application processes
- Build and maintain effective relationships with Trust staff, charity colleagues and external partners
- Represent the grants team in internal meetings where required
Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement
- Support monitoring of KPIs, including turnaround times, ensuring performance targets are met
- Identify opportunities to improve grant processes, systems and documentation
- Share learning and best practice across the charity
Programme Development
- Contribute to the development of grant programmes aligned with Charity priorities
- Support creation and improvement of applicant guidance and programme materials
- Work collaboratively with Impact & Insights colleagues to support a one-team approach
Other Duties
- Act as an ambassador for Alder Hey Children’s Charity in line with organisational values
- Contribute positively to the wider team and support fundraising events where required
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by your line manager
Person Specification
Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
- Experience in the charity, voluntary, public or philanthropic sector, ideally in a grants or programme role
- Knowledge of assessing grant or funding applications, including reviewing proposals and budgets
- Experience of administration and management processes, including record keeping, due diligence and reporting
- Experience using databases or grant management systems
- Experience managing multiple applications or projects to deadlines
- Understanding of governance and good practice in grant awarding and reporting
- Understanding of the charity and funding landscape
Desirable:
- Experience in a grant-making organisation, foundation or trust
- Experience supporting panels, committees or trustees
- Experience using Salesforce or similar CRM systems
Skills and Attributes
Essential:
- Commitment to equity, diversity and collaborative working
- Strong analytical and numerical skills
- Clear and concise written communication skills
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Self-motivated with a positive, flexible approach
- High attention to detail
- Good judgement and integrity
- Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to shared learning
- Ability to line manage and support a Grants Assistant
- Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office and database systems
Desirable:
- Advanced Excel skills
- Experience improving grant processes or systems
- Experience building relationships with applicants and grantees
- Interest in developing grant-making practice
Additional Requirements
Essential:
- Commitment to continuing professional development
- Strong interest in working for a children’s health charity
- Commitment to the values of Alder Hey Children’s Charity
- Willingness to support wider charity activities
- Willingness to occasionally work outside normal office hours
Our Values
At Alder Hey Children’s Charity, our values guide how we work. Being courageous, working together, showing passion and embracing creativity enables us to support the hospital in delivering the very best care for young patients and their families.
Courage
We try new things, take risks and innovate. We speak up, take accountability and act with responsibility.
Together
We work as one team, sharing knowledge and learning. We partner with patients, families, supporters and colleagues.
Passion
We are passionate about what we do and inspire others.
Magic
We are creative, fun and child-led, creating special moments and going the extra mile.
Additional Information
In April 2025, the charity adopted a four-day working week policy. Staff previously working 37.5 hours now work 30 hours across four days, maintaining full pay while supporting a better work-life balance.
This job description outlines the general nature of the role and is not exhaustive. It may be subject to change in line with organisational needs.
Alder Hey Children’s Charity will make reasonable adjustments where required and is committed to equal opportunities and safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
The post holder will be required to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure check.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you a Grants and Trusts fundraising specialist who believes in the power of storytelling to transform children's lives?
Read for Good is looking for a talented Grants and Trusts Fundraising Manager to play a pivotal role in securing the income that fuels their mission: bringing the joy and magic of reading to children in schools, hospitals and communities across the UK.
Location: Nailsworth, Gloucestershire. Hybrid, 2 days per week onsite
Salary: £35-41k, dependent on experience
Contract: Permanent, 35 hours per week (part-time will be considered for the right candidate)
Benefits: 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and Christmas closure), 3% employer pension contribution (8% total).
Added bonus: Beautiful, spacious offices and lovely working environment with outside riverside space (including ducks!).
About Read for Good
Read for Good is a national charity dedicated to inspiring children to develop a life-changing love of reading. Their flagship Readathon® programme in schools has been motivating children to read since 1984 and their unique Hospitals programme brings brand-new books and storyteller visits to major children's hospitals across the UK.
Reaching hundreds of thousands of children each year, they are seeking a new trust fundraising specialist to help secure sustainability and growth for this vital work, as part of a committed and collaborative fundraising team. With a distinctive brand and a reputation for delivering high-quality, high-impact programmes, you'll have the foundations to continue developing and evolving an outstanding trusts and foundations pipeline.
About the role - if you love crafting compelling cases for support and building long-lasting funder relationships…
Then you'll take lead responsibility for the trusts and foundations portfolio, securing five- and six-figure grants by shaping fundable ideas, building strong relationships and providing sector-leading stewardship.
You'll manage your own pipeline and support other members of the team to do the same, write compelling proposals and reports, and work closely with senior colleagues across the charity. This is a fantastic opportunity if you thrive on autonomy and relish the art of your craft - both strategy and rolling up your sleeves.
We're looking for someone who can:
- Take lead responsibility for the trusts pipeline, managing high-value prospects
- Craft clear, persuasive, and tailored funding applications
- Secure repeat and multi-year grants that strengthen strategic partnerships
- Monitor performance, track progress and report against targets
- Maintain consistent, high-quality and creative stewardship
- Support and help shape a positive, collaborative team culture
About you - we'd love to hear from you if you bring:
- A strong track record of winning five- or six-figure grants
- Experience managing a funding pipeline and producing high-quality proposals
- Excellent written communication, storytelling and analytical skills
- Ability to build warm, professional relationships with funders and colleagues
- Strategic thinking, strong organisational skills and sound judgement
- A proactive, curious, collaborative mindset and a passion for reading
Don't worry if you don't tick every single box. If you're excited about the role and believe you can make a meaningful contribution, we would always encourage you to apply.
How to Apply
Please send a copy of your profile or CV to Amelia Lee at Charity People, as the first step.
If your experience matches what we're looking for, we'll be in touch with further information on how to make your formal application.
Deadline: 9am on Tuesday 14th April
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Read for Good operates a Safer Recruitment Policy to help deter, reject or identify people who might abuse children. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, online and employment history checks and satisfactory references
The Stuart Low Trust (SLT) is a well-respected and award-winning charity based in Islington supporting people who experience mental health issues and socially isolated.SLT was created to be radically different from other mental health charities – uniquely accessible, inclusive and community-embedded. You will be joining a small friendly team, where we care about staff wellbeing.We believe in trusting the expertise of our staff and giving them the freedom to thrive with regular help on hand when needed.
We support over 500 adults per year through social groups -creative arts, nature-based activities, wellbeing workshops and peer support.90% of participants report improved mental health and wellbeing.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to play an important role in a small but impactful charity. Your work will directly enable adults experiencing isolation to access safe, creative and life-affirming activities. Perfect for someone who thrives in a small charity where you can see the impact of your work every week.
Who we are seeking
We are seeking a Fundraising Manager, who enjoys writing grant applications and building strong relationships with supporters. Working closely with the Chief Executive, you will have a primary focus working on our trusts and foundations pipeline, while generating around 10% of total income from other sources. We are realistic what is possible in 21 hours per week!
We are seeking a fundraiser who combines:
- A strong track record securing trust and foundation income
- Excellent bid-writing skills
- Experience generating income beyond trusts (corporate, community or individual)
- Comfortable working autonomously in a small team
- Experience in a mental health organisation or small charity is desirable but not essential.
Summary role description
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will:
Lead Trusts and Foundations Income
- Develop a pipeline of grant funders to apply to.
- Write compelling, high-quality applications..
- Deepen funder relationships to secure repeat grants.
Raise income from other sources
Work with the Chief Executive to generate income from other sources with a realistic and achievable target of 10% total income via:
- Corporate partnerships in Islington, King’s Cross tech, creative industries and the City.
- Community and individual giving, especially among affluent local residents.
Build sustainable systems to support fundraising
- Strengthen stewardship journeys including donor tracking systems and explore use of AI tools.
- Contribute to fundraising communications and our profile-building.
Why this Role is Different
You will be stepping into an organisation in a strong position to build on:
- Multi-year funding security (63% of next year’s income already secured through multi-year grants, 4 months’ free reserves, annual income circa £250k).
- Trusted funders include City Bridge Foundation, Garfield Weston, Sport England and leading City Livery Companies.
- Strategic Plan 2024–28 with clear goals.
- Excellent impact measurement systems.
- A highly experienced Chief Executive with 30 years in the charity sector.
- A collaborative and supportive team, who understand fundraising is everyone’s responsibility.
What You’ll Gain
- Real autonomy and ownership
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
- Occupational pension scheme
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Access to training and development opportunities
- Supportive management culture
- A genuinely collaborative, values-led culture
Location
Based at Jean Stokes Community Centre, Islington (5 minutes by bus from King’s Cross)
Application instructions
Please note, while we appreciate the value of AI tools, we strongly prefer that applicants prepare their supporting statements for this purpose with minimal use of AI.This helps us to better understand your authentic voice, skills and motivation for this role.Thank you.
This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and two satisfactory references.
We are embrace diversity, equality of opportunity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that represents are variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.The more inclusive we are, the more we can achieve.
Deadline for applications: Sunday, 5th April 2026 at 12midnight
Interviews: Monday, 20th April 2026
Estimated Start:June/July 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Salary: £52,000 per annum.
Location: Hybrid Work Culture. We are proud to promote a truly hybrid work culture, recognising that every role is different, and everyone has unique needs and preferences. Our Hybrid Work Arrangement empowers each team member to work with their manager to choose the most effective way to work that balances your needs and Hospice UK’s.
For this role, we expect someone to come into the office for two or more days a week. One of those days would be a Tuesday when Income Generation & Grants colleagues come into the office. You can work remotely for the rest of the time, but equally, you may prefer to work from the office full-time. You can discuss your preferences as they meet our business needs with your line manager at the start of your employment. You will also need to be available for some out of hours events in the evenings.
Contractually this role is London-based.
Contract: Permanent. Full time role - 35 hours per week.
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 2 years (+ an extra 10 days on each 5th year). Pro rata for part time hours
- Matched pension scheme up to 7% of salary
- Healthcare plan
- Support for staff with caring responsibilities
- Family-friendly culture
How to apply: CV and supporting statement - using Hospice UK’s supporting statement document – available on our website to download.
Closing date for applications: 10:00am on Sunday 29 March 2026.
Job Information:
The Role
This is an exciting time to join Hospice UK! We are growing significantly as a charity and our brand awareness and profile has never been higher.
You will have already proven you can raise significant funds from trusts and foundations and are now looking to develop your skillset and deepen your experience in an exciting new role. This is a great opportunity if you are ambitious and have the passion to excel. Hybrid working is part of the deal too, so you will be looking to work between time in the office and home.
As our Senior Philanthropy Manager we see you maximising the capacity of our well-established portfolio of warm trusts and foundations of all sizes via bespoke proposals and relationship management. You’ll also be developing exciting new business opportunities as we continue to grow our ambitious but achievable targets, with major income already pledged for future years.
You will have the chance to work with large funders like the National Lottery, Wolfson Foundation, Masonic Charitable Foundation and others. You’ll be writing complex applications to secure new, multi-year income for interesting and fundable projects, as well as growing our pipeline of unrestricted income for the charity.
You will also be supporting the Head of Philanthropy and Philanthropy Manager (major donors) as well as line-managing the Philanthropy Assistant.
The Team
We are a supportive and collaborative team of four, focussed on delivering over £1.5M per year from trusts and major donors. Hospice UK offers a vibrant and rewarding work environment with a great culture of sharing, learning, social activities, and regular meet-ups. We work collaboratively, support each other, commiserate our failures and celebrate our successes!
At Hospice UK you will have the structure, support and opportunities to develop a stellar track-record and work towards your career goals. We pride ourselves as one of the best in the sector for providing excellent development and training opportunities for our fundraisers.
About You
You are a positive, creative, and proactive individual who embraces the challenge of a diverse portfolio. With success in cultivating new relationships, as well as managing existing donors, you will have the drive to succeed as a self-starter with excellent written and verbal communication skills. You’ll already have great database and prospect research skills, and pride yourself on your organisation and attention to detail.
You will be able to quickly form relationships with internal and external partners, and act as a representative for Hospice UK. You will have a track record of generating income and hitting your targets through high quality applications and excellent reporting and account management.
More information is available in the candidate information pack, which is available on our website to download.
We represent and champion the community of 200+ hospices across the UK.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Avicenna Foundation
Avicenna Foundation is a pioneering leadership development organisation dedicated to empowering the next generation of British Muslim leaders. Our vision is a society where the full potential of the British Muslim community is unlocked, enriching the UK’s social, cultural, and economic fabric and inspiring global progress.
We run the most comprehensive scholarship and leadership development programme for young British Muslims in the UK. Our approach combines academic support, mentorship, emotional and spiritual development, and real-world exposure to create ethical, confident, and visionary leaders. Grounded in our core values; Hikmah (Wisdom), Akhlaq (Ethical Character), Ithar (Altruism), Khidmah (Service), and Ihsan (Excellence) - we aim to deliver a lasting impact on communities and society as a whole.
Role Purpose
The Programme Manager will be the operational anchor of the Foundation, playing a key leadership role in ensuring that every part of the organisation functions effectively and aligns with our strategic direction. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will oversee day-to-day operations, implement systems that drive impact and sustainability, and manage key relationships that are vital to our success.
The Programme Manager will serve as the organisational engine of the Foundation - designing, optimising, and scaling the systems that power our mission. You will lead operational excellence across the organisation, architecting clear processes, building robust SOPs, and ensuring that our programmes and internal functions can scale sustainably as we grow.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a builder environment; combining strategic insight with operational rigour to turn vision into repeatable, high-performing systems.
You will help shape the future of Avicenna, ensuring that our flagship Scholarship Programme continues to deliver excellence while we expand our reach, deepen our impact, and uphold the integrity of our mission and values.
The Right Fit
This role is ideally suited for someone who combines sharp operational acumen with a bold sense of purpose and ambition. As a growing organisation in its early stages, Avicenna Foundation is fast-paced and evolving - an environment that will challenge and stretch you. We are looking for someone with commitment, drive, and resilience; someone who brings both the right attitude and aptitude to lead through complexity and uncertainty.
You must be comfortable taking initiative, building systems from the ground up, and working across multiple priorities. In return, this role offers a rare and exciting opportunity to catalyse your career, helping build a pioneering organisation from the inside out and leaving a lasting mark on a movement for change.
We are looking for someone who brings a builder’s mindset - energised by designing structure from scratch, refining operational workflows, and implementing scalable systems.
You will excel here if you are proactive, solutions-driven, motivated by continuous improvement, and confident leading teams through change. If you enjoy creating clarity, building SOPs, and establishing high-performing operational environments, you will thrive in this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all internal operations including programme delivery and organisational development in coordination with colleagues across HR, IT, and finance teams.
- Work closely with the CEO to implement the strategic vision and translate it into effective plans and operations, serving as a key spokesperson for the organisation when required.
- Support the delivery and growth of the Avicenna Scholarship Programme, ensuring excellence in participant experience, programme execution, and outcomes.
- Build and manage a high-performing team culture grounded in ethical leadership, compassion, and excellence.
- Lead on operational risk management, governance, and legal compliance.
- Monitor and report on impact, outcomes, and organisational health metrics.
- Develop relationships with partners, funders, mentors, and other stakeholders to strengthen the Foundation’s ecosystem.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Proven experience in a senior operational or general management role, preferably within the nonprofit, education, or youth development sectors.
- Deep personal alignment with the values and vision of Avicenna Foundation.
- High levels of drive, resilience, and self-motivation.
- Strong strategic, analytical, and operational leadership skills.
- Experience overseeing budgets, organisational development, and team management.
- Excellent project management and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to build trust and motivate diverse stakeholders.
- Adaptability and initiative, especially in a start-up or fast-growth context.
Desirable:
- Experience with leadership development or educational programmes.
- Familiarity with Zakat principles, British Muslim community contexts, or Islamic leadership values.
- Understanding of programme impact evaluation and reporting.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Based at Head Office, in Saunderton near High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, with flexible hybrid working
35 hours per week – Full-time/part-time could be considered
About Us
National charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, trains dogs to transform the lives of deaf people and provides hearing loss services – because nobody with hearing loss should feel alone.
About The Role
Overview:
- Working as part of the Trusts and Foundations department, you will help to deliver the objectives and income targets through your work with Trusts and Foundations.
- Reporting to the Head of Trusts and Foundations, you will work as part of a high-achieving, small but busy department.
- You will be able to develop relationships with colleagues in the wider teams, senior staff, Hearing Dogs trustees, external trusts and foundation managers and administrators.
- To be able to make bids and write applications to maximise financial support from charitable trusts and foundations, philanthropists and major donors.
- A good knowledge of Trusts and Foundation fundraising and experience of delivering excellent stewardship with external stakeholders.
- The Trusts and Foundations team has a target of £1.3m in 2026-27, growing to £2.1m by 2029-30.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Head of Trusts and Foundations to achieve annual targets, including meeting a personal income target each year.
- Create and deliver high-quality applications for grant funding for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and Hearing Link Services, creating a synergy of combined applications to maximise income for both areas of our work.
- Investigate new projects that may be funded by applying for new restricted grants.
- Develop relationships with colleagues in fundraising, dog operation team, senior staff, Hearing Dogs Trustees, external Trusts and Foundation managers and administrators.
- Research the market and develop market knowledge. Establish new partnerships with Trusts, using all relevant and appropriate research techniques to understand their grant-giving criteria.
- Write and produce compelling trust applications and update reports; to ensure all trusts funding applications are relevant, timely and produced to the highest standard.
- Record all information on CRM, maintain records and keep records up to date, ensuring future actions are also recorded.
- Excellent knowledge of database processes and ability to support the team with statistical information.
- Create reports for income and ensure all templates are up to date.
- Provide comprehensive funding information to Head of Trusts and Foundations and Director of Income Generation, and regular reporting and recommendations on future funding opportunities.
- Account manage Trust and Foundation relationships, ensuring the trust receives updates and reports on time.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues in the Corporate Partnerships and Philanthropy departments to identify opportunities to secure new donors, for example where a major donor may have their own family foundation or where Trusts can attend major donor events.
- Work closely with the Prospect Research Manager to build a personal pipeline of new Trusts and Foundations.
- Work closely with the Case for Support and Impact Manager to develop tailored cases and proposals and high-quality reporting with a focus on outcomes and impact.
About You
The following attributes are considered essential for the job:
- Minimum 3 years' experience in Trusts and foundations fundraising
- Experience of working in the charity Sector
- Excellent and persuasive writing skills and a sharp eye for details
- Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills
- Experience of large-scale bid writing for specific projects over multiple years
The following attributes are considered desirable for the job:
- Formal training or a qualification in fundraising
Please note: This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 due to its duties involving the protection of children and/or adults at risk. Applicants are therefore required to disclose all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands, as well as any relevant non-conviction information. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with the Police Act 1997 (Part V).
Please apply by providing your CV and Cover Letter by 3rd April 2026.
Development Manager (Individual Giving & Major Donors)
David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation | Shalford, Surrey (Hybrid)
Salary: £40,000–£45,000, dependant on experience
David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) is seeking an experienced and relationship‑driven Development Manager to lead our individual giving and major donor fundraising. This is a pivotal role within a conservation charity dedicated to protecting endangered species across Africa and Asia.
As our Development Manager, you will:
- Shape and deliver strategies for major donors, mid‑level giving, regular giving, adoption programmes and campaign‑led appeals
- Cultivate and steward high‑value donors through personalised engagement
- Oversee donor journeys and ensure an exceptional supporter experience
- Provide strategic leadership for key fundraising events
- Work closely with colleagues across Conservation, Education, Art, Marketing and Finance
- Line manage a Development Executive and play a key role in developing a coordinated, high‑performing fundraising team
We’re looking for someone with:
✔ Proven success in major donor / high‑value individual fundraising
✔ Strong relationship‑building and communication skills
✔ Experience developing donor journeys and direct marketing appeals
✔ Confidence working with senior stakeholders
✔ Passion for wildlife conservation and DSWF’s mission
Why join us?
You’ll be part of a small, committed team making a tangible impact on global wildlife protection. We have invested over £14 million into frontline conservation since 1984 and continue to drive meaningful change through anti-wildlife crime initiatives, education and the power of art.
Role details:
- Hybrid (home + 2 days/week in Shalford, Surrey)
- Full time, 35 hrs/week
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + extra days at Christmas
- Pension + Employee Assistance Programme
- Start date: As soon as possible
How to apply:
Send your CV and a cover letter (no longer than two pages) by email by midday, Monday 20th April.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in conservation and the arts.
We focus on saving endangered species and ending the exploitation of wildlife before it’s too late.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
In this exciting role you will be responsible for researching, cultivating and managing a portfolio of Trusts and Foundations at all levels, including those which have the potential to make grants up to and above 7 figures.
Sitting in the Philanthropy Team of four, the team works really well together, both jointly and individually, with a focus on proactivity and ample autonomy. They have been very successful over the past few years in hitting targets and now theyre excited to be recruiting for a fourth team member.
Their ethos is a relationship development approach to fundraising and youll find plenty of support for a values-based approach to income generation within the team.
The role is hybrid with two days a week in the London office.
The charity
A national hospice charity fighting to ensure support is available to all who are in need of it. Benefits include pension, life assurance, health scheme and 25 days holiday
The Role
Lead the development and delivery of the Philanthropy strategy for Trusts & Foundations Develop and manage a portfolio of Trusts and Foundations to develop a sustainable income base for the charity
Support the Philanthropy teams fundraising strategy through creative thinking, problem-solving, and the maintenance and use of CRM databases.
Use networks, relationships and knowledge to generate income from Trusts and high value sources by identifying connections and new funding opportunities.
The Candidate
Proven track record of raising significant (e.g. six figures plus) single and multi-year gifts from Trusts and Grant makers.
Experience of developing and writing compelling applications bids and cases for support
Experience of successfully researching and building short, medium and long term funder pipelines to meet financial targets.
Experience of effective and supportive line management
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 and your details will not be held further 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.
Salary: £52,000 per annum
Permanent, full time
Hybrid working (London-based office, minimum two days a week including Tuesdays)
Are you ready to lead a thriving Trusts and Foundations portfolio that is already performing exceptionally well, with strong relationships, a robust pipeline, and compelling projects to fund? This is an exciting opportunity to shape long-term high-value income that will directly support people of all ages to receive compassionate end of life care.
In this role, you will take forward an established income stream at a time of significant organisational growth. You will be supported by knowledgeable colleagues, an experienced Head of Philanthropy, and a capable Philanthropy Assistant whom you will line-manage. Together, you will craft powerful cases for support, nurture long-term relationships, and create funding opportunities that make a real impact.
What you’ll do
- Lead the Trusts & Foundations fundraising strategy to maximise income.
- Manage and grow a portfolio of high-value Trusts and grantmakers, including those with seven-figure potential.
- Research, develop and maintain a strong, long-term funding pipeline.
- Craft clear, compelling applications and cases for support.
- Build collaborative relationships with internal teams to shape project proposals and impact reporting.
- Provide insightful reporting, analysis and forecasting.
- Deliver exceptional stewardship and supporter care.
- Line manage and develop the Philanthropy Assistant.
- Uphold fundraising best practice and regulatory standards.
- Deputise for the Head of Philanthropy when required.
What you’ll bring
- Significant experience in securing high-value Trust and Foundation income, including six-figure and multi-year gifts.
- Strong ability to write persuasive, accessible applications and present complex ideas clearly.
- Proven skill in prospecting, researching and developing multi-year pipelines.
- A collaborative, proactive and persuasive approach to relationship building.
- Confidence using CRM systems to track, manage and report on income and KPIs.
- Ability to plan, forecast and support departmental budgeting.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence.
- A solutions-focused mindset and the ability to work autonomously.
- Commitment to inclusive, compassionate, collaborative and innovative ways of working.
- Proficiency with MS 365 and industry-standard research tools.
What you’ll be part of
You will join a supportive, values-driven team focused on relationship-based fundraising. Working alongside colleagues across income generation, programmes and external affairs, you will play a crucial role in enabling vital services to thrive now and in the future.
Benefits
- Pension with employer matching up to 7%
- Life assurance at three times salary
- Simplyhealth cash-plan scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Interest-free season ticket loan (post-probation)
- 25 days annual leave (rising with service)
- Hybrid working designed around trust, flexibility and wellbeing
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.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis
Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF) is the UK’s leading patient charity dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by pulmonary fibrosis. Our mission is underpinned by values of compassionate, bold, expert and collaborative. We believe in creating a supportive environment in which both our employees and beneficiaries can thrive.
Role purpose
The Senior Individual Giving Manager is responsible for driving the growth of Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis’ individual giving income through data-led acquisition, engaging fundraising campaigns and exceptional donor stewardship. This role owns the income targets and leads the strategy and execution of individual gifts, regular giving, direct mail appeals (digital and print), inmemory giving and lottery. They will coordinate direct mail campaigns and support the Operations team to deliver meaningful stewardship. Collaborating with teams across the organisation, the post holder will proactively identify opportunities to introduce fundraising asks within engagement journeys, helping convert new audiences into long-term supporters. They will ensure APF’s campaign planning and engagement pathways are designed with inclusion and lived experience at their core, while driving sustainable income growth through acquisition and retention. Combining strategic thinking with storytelling, data insight, careful planning and management of warm stewardship, you’ll ensure donors feel valued and inspired to continue supporting APF.
Key Responsibilities
1. Individual giving strategy and stewardship
- Lead and grow APF’s individual giving programme, helping to build meaningful relationships with our supporters.
- Map out and improve the donor journey from first interaction through to long-term support, increasing acquisition, retention and lifetime value.
- Track and monitor income performance, contributing insight to forecasting and helping shape realistic and ambitious targets.
- Lead on the evaluation and analysis of the Individual Giving programme by monitoring performance against objectives and using sector trends, benchmarking and competitor insights to strengthen our approach.
- Identify and address any barriers in the donor journey to improve conversion and engagement.
- Support the Operations Team to deliver consistently meaningful and timely stewardship to individuals including those giving in memory of loved ones.
2. Direct mail campaign coordination
- Coordinate direct mail appeals and renewal campaigns from planning through to delivery, developing compelling fundraising requests aligned to organisational priorities and connect supporters with APF’s impact.
- Develop campaign briefs, segmentation plans and income projections.
- Manage campaign timelines and work with external suppliers where required to ensure activity runs smoothly.
- Monitor response rates, ROI and overall income performance.
- Capture and apply learning from each campaign to continually improve and strengthen future activity.
3. Regular giving programme development
- Lead the development and growth of APF’s regular giving programme, including the lottery product, helping to build a strong and sustainable base of monthly supporters.
- Create recruitment, onboarding and retention strategies that welcome and inspire regular donors.
- Develop tailored stewardship journeys that keep monthly supporters connected to the impact of their giving.
- Monitor and track acquisition, attrition and upgrade trends to inform future growth.
- Test and refine propositions to strengthen long term income and supporter engagement.
4. Data segmentation and insight
- Lead audience segmentation across individual giving activity to ensure supporters receive relevant and meaningful communications.
- Use CRM data and behavioural insight to inform targeting and messaging and campaign planning.
- Produce regular analysis of performance sharing insights and recommendations.
- Champion a culture of testing, learning and continuous improvement across fundraising activity.
5. Acquisition through engagement pathways
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across Services, Involvement and other teams to identify opportunities to introduce appropriate fundraising requests within wider engagement journeys.
- Use a mixture of digital and direct mail acquisition techniques to attract new supporters, increasing both the number of donors and their engagement with APF.
- Support the development of workflows that that define next steps following different types of engagement and shape clear engagement pathways that support conversion from initial engagement through to appropriate fundraising opportunities.
- Ensure lived experience and inclusive practice are reflected in all design and messaging.
6. Supporter care standards and compliance
- Support operational teams to deliver a high standard of supporter care at every stage of the supporter journey.
- Provide guidance on stewardship principles and help navigate more complex supporter relationships.
- Work with the Governance and Operations Manager to ensure all activities complies with GDPR and the Code of Fundraising Practice.
- Use data and engagement insights to identify high-value or high-potential supporters and refer them appropriately.
- Work in collaboration with internal stakeholders to achieve objectives, including attending and contributing to cross organisational meetings.
How to apply
Please submit a CV and a covering letter (maximum of two pages) highlighting your skills and suitability to the role, reflecting the key responsibilities in the job description.
First stage interviews to be held virtually on 1st May 2026, second stage interviews to be held at the Peterborough office on 8th May 2026.
Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF) is a national charity dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by pulmonary fibrosis.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.


