Policy and research director volunteer roles

This Role Transforms Words Into Funding for Change. At Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C., compelling storytelling and clear proposals unlock the resources we need to grow and sustain our mission.
The Grants and Proposal Writer ensures that the CIC secures funding from trusts, foundations, and grant-making bodies. You will research opportunities, craft persuasive applications, and maintain documentation for reporting and compliance. Your work directly supports programmes, events, and initiatives that impact vulnerable communities.
This is not a generic writing role—it is strategic, high-impact, and central to CIC sustainability.

This role exists to:

• Research and identify grant and funding opportunities aligned with the CIC’s mission
• Develop high-quality proposals, applications, and supporting materials
• Coordinate with the Fundraising Director and other team members to ensure accurate and compelling submissions
• Maintain records of applications, deadlines, and reporting requirements
• Track outcomes, feedback, and lessons learned to improve future proposals
• Ensure compliance with grant conditions, CIC policies, and ethical fundraising standards

You are the storyteller who converts opportunity into actionable support.

Why This Role Matters

Grants and proposals are a critical revenue stream:

• They provide predictable and scalable funding
• They allow the CIC to expand programmes and reach more communities
• They strengthen credibility with partners, donors, and funders

Without this role, potential funding opportunities may be missed or poorly executed. With it, the CIC can secure long-term resources and scale impact ethically.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential / Highly Valued Experience

• Experience in grant writing or proposal development, producing clear, persuasive, and well-evidenced applications
• Ability to research funding opportunities, assess eligibility, and interpret complex funder guidelines
• Strong written communication and storytelling skills, particularly for social change, community impact, and beneficiary-centred narratives
• Ability to translate programme data and outcomes into measurable impact statements
• Experience preparing or contributing to reports and documentation for funders, including outcomes and financial narratives
• Understanding of, or experience within, non-profit, CIC, charity, or social impact sectors
• High attention to detail with strong organisation and deadline-management skills
• Confidence collaborating with diverse internal stakeholders to gather accurate information
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple applications, and prioritise effectively in a volunteer capacity
• Commitment to the organisation’s mission, values, and principles of equity, inclusion, and integrity

Desirable / Can Be Developed

• Awareness of ethical, legal, and compliance considerations, including CIC requirements and data protection
• Proficiency with basic digital tools (e.g. Word, Google Docs, spreadsheets, shared tracking systems)

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications not required; equivalent professional or voluntary experience is highly valued

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Identify funding opportunities: Proactively source and monitor relevant grant-making organisations, charitable trusts, foundations, statutory bodies, and corporate funders aligned with the organisation’s mission, values, and programmes. Maintain awareness of emerging funding trends and opportunities within the non-profit and social impact landscape.
• Research eligibility and priorities: Analyse funder guidelines, eligibility criteria, strategic priorities, funding cycles, and assessment processes to determine suitability. Provide clear recommendations on which opportunities to pursue and advise on positioning applications for best alignment.
• Write high-quality grant proposals: Develop clear, persuasive, and well-structured grant applications, expressions of interest, and supporting documents. Translate complex programmes and outcomes into compelling narratives supported by evidence, budgets, and measurable impact.
• Collaborate with internal teams: Work closely with programme leads, finance, monitoring and evaluation, and leadership teams to gather accurate data, budgets, case studies, outcomes, and delivery plans. Ensure proposals reflect current activities and realistic capacity.
• Application and deadline management: Maintain an organised and transparent system to track funding opportunities, application stages, deadlines, submission requirements, and reporting obligations. Ensure timely preparation and submission of all materials.
• Compliance and quality assurance: Ensure all grant submissions meet ethical standards, legal requirements, and Community Interest Company (CIC) regulations. Review applications for accuracy, consistency, safeguarding considerations, and data protection compliance before submission.
• Funding tracking and reporting support: Record funding awarded, declined, or pending. Assist with donor acknowledgement, progress updates, and end-of-grant reports by collating outcomes, financial information, and impact evidence in line with funder requirements.
• Continuous improvement: Reflect on feedback from funders, analyse success rates, and contribute to improving grant-writing processes, templates, and organisational funding strategy over time.

Who This Role Is For

This role is suited to someone who:

• Can write persuasively and strategically
• Understands grant-making processes or is willing to learn
• Is organised, deadline-driven, and detail-oriented
• Can translate programme impact into compelling narratives
• Values ethics, transparency, and trauma-informed storytelling

You are a strategic writer and funding advocate

What You Gain

• Founding-level experience in grant writing and fundraising strategy
• Strategic insight into funding cycles, donor expectations, and impact storytelling
• Leadership exposure in shaping sustainable funding models
• Priority consideration for future paid roles
• Direct contribution to community empowerment and CIC growth

This role builds strategic writing, research, and funding acquisition skills.

What This Role Is Not For

This role is not suitable if you:

• Avoid strategic or detailed writing tasks
• Prefer low-responsibility volunteer work
• Are seeking immediate paid employment
• Are uncomfortable representing an ethical, trauma-informed organisation

Important to Be Clear

• This is a volunteer role during the CIC’s build phase
• It carries real responsibility for securing ethical funding
•  Paid roles will emerge as funding and sustainability allow

Next Steps

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation
• A practical discussion about grant writing, deadlines, and proposal strategy

If you believe that well-crafted proposals can fuel meaningful change, and that writing can create impact beyond words, this role is for you.

A Final Word

Grants are about people, not just funding.
If you know that:

• Trust is built through honesty, clarity, and accuracy
• Ethical compliance and data protection safeguard both funders and communities
• Respectful storytelling strengthens long-term partnerships and impact

…then you already understand the heart of effective grants and proposal writing.