Senior trusts and grants fundraising officer volunteer roles in Edinburgh, scotland
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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!
Equal Aqua is seeking a Trustee with significant fundraising expertise to provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to drive substantial income growth as the organisation scales towards a seven-figure annual income. The role involves actively leveraging networks to open doors to major donors, corporate partners and grant-makers, initiating high-value funding conversations and developing new income streams. The Trustee will help shape and oversee the organisation’s long-term fundraising strategy, support the cultivation and conversion of major funding opportunities, mentor the fundraising team and strengthen proposals and donor engagement. Acting as an ambassador for the organisation, they will also help raise Equal Aqua’s profile within influential networks while ensuring strong governance, accountability and performance through the Board and Fundraising Committee. The ideal candidate will bring senior-level fundraising experience, strong sector knowledge in areas such as WASH, climate or international development, and a network capable of unlocking significant new funding opportunities.
Equal Aqua is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in the UK; Equal Aqua Uganda is a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda (‘EAU’ refers to both). Both operate equally and in unison. The purpose of EAU is to enable communities in Uganda to have access to safe and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. EAU supports schools and communities facing the greatest WASH inequalities by providing water tanks and filters, running classes and workshops, and empowering young people to be WASH change makers in their community. The current Board of Trustees, consisting of 5 members based in UK and Uganda, provides guidance to the volunteer EAU management team as well as supporting the implementing volunteers based in UK, Uganda and other countries.
The objectives of EAU are, in Uganda, to:
1. To improve access to safe and sustainable WASH for those facing the greatest inequalities in Uganda
2. To strengthen the participation of local communities in WASH, in particular women and girls, and displaced peoples
3. To take action to protect the natural environment, reduce pollution and tackle climate change
The role of trustees is:
1. Sculpt and maintain EAU’s vision, mission, objectives and values.
2. Act as ‘critical friends’ in the development of EAU’s policy, programming and planning.
3. Actively champion EAU externally, opening doors to people and organisations that can support our cause, fostering awareness and engagement in the UK, Uganda and internationally.
4. Support in particular with income generation activities, advising and supporting delivery of major campaigns and helping to build EAU’s donor and partner base.
5. Establish and maintain systems for reporting and monitoring.
6. Ensure that the financial affairs of the organisation are conducted properly and are accurately reported.
7. Manage risk and ensure compliance and accountability with the governing document (EAU Constitution), external regulators and the law (UK and Uganda).
8. Safeguard EAU’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation.
Ensure EAU has the appropriate structure and resources to deliver the above.
Trustee Responsibilities:
1. To attend and contribute to EAU Board of Trustee meetings, held at least on a quarterly basis. To work with EAU management to set an agenda in advance of this meeting.
2. Currently, Trustees will hold the position for a maximum of 3 years. This length of trusteeship will be reviewed with the aim of staggering Trustee terms to ensure a smooth transition between board members.
3. To support the recruitment of additional trustees, from diverse backgrounds and providing a range of expertise.
4. To offer personal expertise and skills in select areas for the benefit of EAU. This may include legal, management, practical, fundraising, marketing or other relevant areas.
5. To offer advice and feedback on EAU’s main fundraising programmes, e.g. events and grant applications.
Additional Responsibilities of Trustee with fundraising expertise
To provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to drive significant and sustainable income growth for Equal Aqua, with the ambition of building towards a seven-figure annual income.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Fundraising Leadership
Provide Board-level oversight and strategic direction for the development and execution of an ambitious, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with EAU’s growth plans, ensuring clear pathways to seven-figure annual income. - Active Income Generation & Network Mobilisation
Proactively generate income by leveraging personal and professional networks to:- Open doors to high-value donors, grant-makers, corporates and philanthropic partners
- Introduce EAU to influential individuals and decision-makers
- Initiate and nurture strategic funding conversations
- Identify and pursue new income streams and partnership opportunities
This role requires active relationship-building and direct contribution to income growth, not solely advisory input.
- Pipeline Development & High-Value Fundraising
Support the identification, cultivation and conversion of major funding opportunities, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships and major donors. Where appropriate, personally lead or co-lead high-value approaches. - Committee Leadership & Support
Provide experienced guidance to the Fundraising Committee and fundraising volunteers, strengthening capability, confidence and performance across the team. - Hands-On Mentorship & Quality Assurance
Offer practical, hands-on support to fundraising volunteers, including:- Reviewing and strengthening proposals and pitch materials
- Advising on donor strategy and positioning
- Supporting preparation for high-stakes meetings and presentations
- Visibility & Advocacy
Act as an ambassador for EAU, raising the organisation’s profile in relevant networks, events and forums, and positioning EAU as a credible, high-impact partner. - Governance & Accountability
Attend quarterly Fundraising Committee meetings (one of EAU’s management committees) and relevant Board meetings, ensuring clear income targets, performance monitoring and accountability for results.
Desired Background and expertise of Trustee with Fundraising expertise.
Senior Fundraising Experience
- A substantial track record (ideally 5+ years) in charity fundraising, with experience operating at a strategic level. This should include demonstrable success in securing significant income from one or more of the following: trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, institutional funders or high-net-worth individuals. Experience supporting organisations through periods of income growth or scale-up is highly desirable. International development experience is strongly preferred.
- Sector-Relevant Knowledge
Strong understanding of fundraising dynamics and donor priorities within one or more of Equal Aqua’s core thematic areas, including:- WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene)
- Climate and environmental sustainability
- Menstrual health and gender equality
- Rural enterprise and livelihoods
- International development
Familiarity with the funding landscape in these sectors – including trends, key funders and partnership models – would be a significant advantage.
- Network & Influence
An established professional network that can be activated in support of Equal Aqua’s growth ambitions, with the credibility and confidence to engage senior decision-makers and prospective funders.
- Strategic & Commercial Acumen
The ability to think entrepreneurially about income generation, identify new revenue opportunities, and contribute to building a diversified and resilient funding portfolio.
To become a leading organisation in Uganda in addressing inequalities in WASH, and interrelated issues of gender and sustainability.
Are you passionate about helping older people to live well in later life? Are you able to give your time, expertise and skills as a Trustee to support our charity in its hugely important mission?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join the board of an impactful and influential charity, supporting older residents in Sutton by providing valuable advice and support services regarding health, finances and wellbeing.
A trustee role can be hugely fulfilling, as well as helping you to develop and utilise strategic leadership skills, and work with a diverse and dynamic team.
We are looking for trustees who can bring their own unique experience and expertise to support the effective governance of our charity, in particular in areas such as data and digital, commercial experience, and knowledge of the health and care sector. An understanding of charity governance, fundraising or an accountancy qualification would be beneficial.
Who are Age UK Sutton?
Age UK Sutton is a small independent charity dedicated to helping older people in our community to live well in later life. We are a network partner of Age UK, the influential national charity, and benefit from membership of a network of similar independent charities across the UK. We deliver a mixture of social and community activities while influencing strategy in Sutton. We provide vital information, expert advice and practical support. Our work enables older people to make informed decisions on finances, health, care, and wellbeing, and enables greater social connection and independence.
Location: Sutton, South West London (and online meetings)
Time Commitment:
- Quarterly Board meetings, three-hour Board meetings held virtually on Teams (twice a year), and alternately face-to-face meetings
- Quarterly Committee meetings (2-3 hours): Fundraising and Enterprise and / or Quality and / or Finance, Risk and Audit (most trustees are expected to attend 2 of the 3 standing subcommittees)
- Trustees with the capacity to do so also have the opportunity to support occasional projects or short-term working groups, supporting the CEO and wider leadership team.
Duration: A 3-year term (may be extended for two further 3-year terms)
Final closing date: Tuesday 1 April
Please download the full information pack. The covering letter should set out the following (in no more than 2 pages):
Why are you interested in a trustee role at Age UK Sutton?
How you would contribute to Age UK Sutton as a trustee?
Please highlight all relevant experience, and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the role as set out in the Person Specification.
Please note that we will focus on your demonstrable experience and potential in the above areas and do not expect candidates to have experience in all responsibilities outlined in the Job Description.
A Sutton where every older person lives well, feeling connected and valued with the confidence and support they need to thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
The D D McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO (DDMCS), charity number 1197598, is an active grant making
Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It has succeeded the D.D. McPhail Charitable Settlement, charity
number 267588, which was founded in 1973 and operational till 2023.
DDMCS aims to support 2 or 3 major multi-year grant projects each year, which are actively sought by the
Trustees to enable small / medium sized charities to make a significant or step change in their activities. The
original trust deed and now the CIO constitution specifies three key areas of preference in the UK around:
• Furtherance of medical research,
• Care of the disabled particularly disabled children, and
• Care of the aged and infirm
The Trustees have wide discretion to support other charitable activities in the UK. There is more detail in
the annual report available via the Charity Commission website and the charity’s own website that outlines
the activities of the charity. Within these broad areas the Trustees recently agreed, following a strategic
review, to focus for the next grant making cycle on charities supporting care for the physical and mental
wellbeing of children living in poverty.
Recent grant support has enabled a number of significant multi-year projects, including:
• British Dyslexia Association - supporting the creation of Local Outreach Hubs to increase access to dyslexia advice, assessment and early intervention within communities.
• Candlelighters - funding a Family Wellbeing Practitioner to improve emotional and practical support for families affected by childhood cancer.
• IPSEA - funding a SEND Policy Manager to strengthen national policy influencing for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
• The Myton Hospices - supporting the development of the Volunteer Service, enhancing capacity and patient experience across hospice services.
Further information can be found in the recruitment pack (attached).
We are seeking a Chair Designate to join our board, with a view to taking over as Chair in 2027. The Chair provides inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the charity. They act as an ambassador for the organisation, working closely with the Director and fellow Trustees to maximise impact for beneficiaries. DDMCS does not undertake any fundraising activity, as all grant making is supported through the charity’s long-established investment portfolio. As a result, there is no requirement for the Chair to have fundraising experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
• Lead the Board in setting and reviewing the charity’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Ensure decisions align with charitable objectives and long-term sustainability.
• Promote diversity and inclusion within the Board and wider organisation.
Governance
• Ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, Charity Commission guidance, and relevant
legislation.
• Maintain high standards of governance, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Facilitate annual Board and Trustee performance reviews
Board Management
• Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring impartiality and open debate.
• Provide guidance and constructive challenge to trustees.
• Foster strong relationships among Trustees and between the Board and Executive Director.
• Drive Trustee recruitment and succession planning.
External Representation
• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the charity.
• Represent the organisation at external events and with grantees and key stakeholders
• Support advocacy through personal networks where appropriate.
Support to Director
• Maintain a clear distinction between governance and management roles.
• Ensure regular communication and a strong, collaborative working relationship.
• Provide guidance and support to the Director.
Person Specification:
Essential Skills and Experience
• Proven leadership experience at Board or senior executive level.
• Strong understanding of charity governance and the legal duties of Trustees.
• Strategic thinker with ability to balance long-term vision and short-term priorities.
• Financial literacy and ability to oversee budgets and risk management.
• Excellent communication, with ability to build consensus
• Experience in grant-making or philanthropic sector
Desirable
• Knowledge of charity law and regulatory frameworks.
• Established networks within relevant sectors (e.g., philanthropy, corporate, public).
Personal Attributes
• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
• Integrity, impartiality, and sound judgment.
• Ability to dedicate sufficient time and energy to the role.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Innovative thinker with ability to bring forward fresh ideas.
If, after reading the applicant pack, you feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for then please apply through CharityJobs, providing a CV and cover letter (2 pages max) detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for preliminary interviews in April (dates to be confirmed). Initial interviews will take place via Teams.
The Trustees of DD McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those underrepresented in leadership roles within the charity sector.
Please use the following contact details for any questions or queries you may have about the role or the charity:
info at ddmcphail dot org
Please submit a CV and covering letter via the Charity Jobs platform
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Volunteer Grant Officer
Southwark Tenants’ Federation – Grassroots Housing Advice Charity
Location: Southwark / Remote (hybrid available)
Time commitment: Flexible (approx. 4–8 hours per week)
Contract: Volunteer
About Us
We are a small grassroots charity based in Southwark and the only surviving tenants’ federation in London. For decades, we have supported tenants and residents to defend their housing rights, challenge poor conditions, and have a collective voice in decisions that affect their homes and communities.
Our social housing advice service supports people facing homelessness, disrepair, evictions, and housing management issues, with a strong focus on empowerment and tenant-led action.
The Role
We are seeking a Volunteer Grant Officer to help us secure funding to sustain and grow our vital work. This role is crucial to keeping an independent, tenant-led voice alive in London.
You will work closely with a small, committed team and help ensure our advice service remains accessible to local residents.
Key Responsibilities
- Research grant funding opportunities suitable for a grassroots, tenant-led organisation
- Draft and submit grant applications to trusts, foundations, and statutory funders
- Maintain a simple funding pipeline and track deadlines
- Work with staff and volunteers to gather service data, outcomes, and case studies
- Assist with basic funder monitoring and reporting
About You
Essential:
- Strong written communication skills
- Good organisational skills and reliability
- Commitment to social justice and housing rights
Desirable (but not essential):
- Experience of grant writing or fundraising
- Knowledge of social housing, tenant organisations, or advice services
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of social housing.
What We Offer
- Flexible volunteering hours
- Support, supervision, and guidance
- The opportunity to contribute to a unique and historic tenant-led organisation
- Experience in grant writing within the voluntary and housing sectors
- References provided where appropriate
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of social housing. We are very flexible, so still apply even if you don't have a lived experience but can write a bid
Trustee and Chair of Trustees
Help shape the future of environmental philanthropy and strengthen funding for climate, nature and people.
Location: Remote, UK wide
Remuneration: Voluntary, unremunerated. Reasonable expenses covered
Term: Three years, renewable once
Time commitment: Approx. 8 days per year for Trustees, approx. 12 days per year for Chair
Closing date: Monday 30 March, 17:59
Interviews: From Wednesday 22 April
About the opportunity
An established and respected network within the environmental funding community is seeking a new Chair of Trustees and two additional Trustees to join its board.
This organisation works to create an effective, flourishing ecosystem of environmental philanthropy that is supporting people and the planet to thrive together. With a growing membership of funders, advisors and fundraisers, it plays a vital role in convening, connecting and strengthening the sector.
As a Trustee, you will provide strategic oversight and guidance across finance, programmes, communications and relationships. As Chair, you will lead the board, act as a line manager to the Executive Director and ensure strong governance and effective decision making.
You will bring sound judgement, a willingness to offer constructive challenge and a commitment to high standards of governance. Above all, you will share a belief in the importance of environmental action and effective philanthropy.
About the Trustee role
Trustees are responsible for ensuring:
· Clear strategic direction and delivery of charitable objectives
· Effective stewardship of resources
· Robust governance and regulatory compliance
· Thoughtful risk management
· Insight into the wider global context affecting environmental funding
We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:
· Environmental funding, including international funding
· Financial and operational management
· Strategic communications and influencing
· Network coordination and development
· Philanthropy advisory or working with family offices
· Fundraising and membership models
About the Chair role
In addition to the above, the Chair will:
· Lead quarterly board meetings
· Support and line manage the Executive Director
· Ensure the board has the right balance of skills and perspectives
· Act as an ambassador and external figurehead
We are looking for prior leadership or chairing experience, strong strategic capability, an understanding of charity governance and experience engaging with funders.
Commitment
Board meetings are held online quarterly, with additional sub-committee meetings and preparation time. There is one in person team and trustee away day each year. The Chair role includes monthly meetings with the Executive Director and additional preparation responsibilities.
These are voluntary roles. Expenses are provided.
Inclusion
Diversity of background, perspective and experience strengthens governance and impact. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals from marginalised communities and those most affected by climate change and nature loss.
If you would like to play a meaningful role in strengthening environmental philanthropy at a critical time, we would welcome your application.
You may also have experience in areas such as; Non Executive Director, Board Member, Committee Member, Advisory Board Member, Charity Trustee, Foundation Trustee, Trust Director, Philanthropy Advisor, Grant Maker, Environmental Programme Lead, Director of Fundraising, Head of Partnerships, Chief Executive, or Senior Strategic Leader.
Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client - Not For Profit People.