Trusts and grants fundraising officer volunteer roles in Milton keynes

Every year, RSPCA North West London & South Hertfordshire Branch CIO rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes hundreds of unwanted, stray and abandoned animals. We also support local pet owners who are struggling to afford essential veterinary treatment, helping animals stay well and remain with the people who love them.

As a separately registered RSPCA branch, we are responsible for raising our own funds locally. Donations, grants, gifts in wills and support from our community are vital to making sure we can continue helping animals in need.

We are looking for a Fundraising Volunteer to help us grow and develop our income so we can reach more animals and pet owners across our local area.

This is a meaningful opportunity to use your research, writing, communication or fundraising skills to make a direct difference. You will help us identify funding opportunities, support grant applications, encourage donations, promote gifts in wills and build long-term support for the Branch.

What can you expect to be doing?

Depending on your skills, interests and availability, you may help with:

• Researching suitable grant-making trusts, foundations and local funding opportunities
• Helping to prepare information for grant applications and funding bids
• Supporting the development of donation appeals
• Helping us promote gifts in wills and legacy giving
• Identifying opportunities to build relationships with local businesses, community groups and supporters
• Keeping simple records of funding opportunities, applications and outcomes
• Supporting thank-you letters and updates to donors, funders and supporters
• Working with staff and volunteers to understand the Branch’s funding needs
• Helping to gather stories, statistics and information that show the impact of our work
• Looking for opportunities to raise funds for specific projects, such as veterinary care, animal accommodation, equipment or rehoming work

We are looking for someone who has:

• Previous fundraising experience
• An interest in animal welfare and the work of the Branch
• Good written communication skills
• Confidence with research and gathering information
• A careful and organised approach
• Good attention to detail
• The ability to work independently and follow agreed guidance
• Reliability and discretion when handling information
• A positive and professional approach when representing the Branch

Time expectation
This is a flexible role and much of it can be done from home.
As a guide, fundraising volunteers may give around 2 to 3 hours per week, although this may vary depending on funding deadlines, appeals and Branch priorities. The role can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.
You are also welcome to spend time in our office if you would like to work alongside the team.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe
We want our volunteers to feel happy, confident and valued in their roles. You will receive support and guidance from the Branch, along with relevant information, policies and processes to help you get the most out of your volunteering.

The wellbeing of our people is important to us. We are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and everyone we come into contact with through our work.

What we can offer you as a volunteer

• Make a real difference to the welfare of local animals
• Help secure the funds needed to rescue, treat, rehabilitate and rehome animals
• Support pet owners who are struggling to afford essential veterinary care
• Gain valuable charity experience that can strengthen your CV
• Join a friendly, committed local team
• Help shape the future sustainability of our Branch

If you care about animals and would like to use your skills to help secure vital funding for their care, we would love to hear from you.

About The Stray Cat Charity (TSCC)

The Stray Cat Charity is a newly established UK-registered CIO working to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome stray cats in Greece, starting in Patras. Our current priority campaign is to raise £35,000 to build a dedicated stray cat shelter in Patras, Greece, which will provide safe housing, veterinary care, and a pathway to adoption for vulnerable cats. As a growing new charity, we are building our fundraising and outreach network across the UK.

Role Purpose

We are looking for a motivated volunteer to support the growth of our charity by helping identify and connect with potential supporters in their local area. This includes community groups, schools, corporates, and potential major donors who may be interested in supporting or fundraising for stray cats in Greece. The aim of this role is to help generate awareness, build relationships, and support fundraising activity for our current and future campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

The volunteer may support with:

• Researching local community groups, schools, faith groups, and businesses
• Identifying potential corporate partners and supporters in their region
• Contacting organisations to introduce The Stray Cat Charity and its mission
• Encouraging groups to support the charity through donations or fundraising
• Promoting our current campaign to raise £35,000 for a stray cat shelter in Patras, Greece
• Supporting or initiating community fundraising activities where appropriate (e.g. sponsored events, school fundraisers, awareness campaigns)
• Helping to raise awareness of stray cat welfare issues in Greece through local outreach

Fundraising Options

Volunteers may either:

• Focus on outreach and relationship-building, or
• Actively support or lead local fundraising efforts for the charity’s campaigns

Ideal Volunteer

We are looking for someone who is:

• Confident communicating with people and organisations
• Passionate about animal welfare
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Comfortable researching and reaching out to potential supporters
• Interested in community engagement or fundraising

About the Charity

The Stray Cat Charity is a new organisation, meaning volunteers will play a key role in shaping our growth, impact, and fundraising success from the ground up.

Support Provided

We will provide:

• Guidance on messaging and outreach
• Information about the charity and campaigns
• Ongoing support and communication from the founder/trustee

Impact of This Role

Your work will directly contribute to raising vital funds to build a safe shelter in Patras, Greece, improving the lives of stray cats and creating long-term sustainable welfare solutions.

Position Overview

An exciting and unique internship opportunity to work closely with key senior operational staff in a respected UK international development charity; this position has strong vocational content for anyone looking to break into the international development sector with future possibilities of progression into roles within the UK and/or Madagascar.

The post holder will gain hands-on experience in international development, gain understanding and skills across a wide range of duties associated with programmes development, corporate fundraising, volunteer coordination, and practical charity management.

The internship spans a minimum of six months and is a remote role. The diversity of activities that will be undertaken provides training for an early-career development professional who can effectively and efficiently deal with a comprehensive range of tasks related to the complex world of overseas development work.

Reporting to: Grants and Administrative Assistant

Location: Remote

Commitment: Part-time, two days a week for a minimum of six months - with full flexibility to choose which two days you work, and the option to adjust or change those days as needed.

Salary: N/A (voluntary)

Responsibilities:

1. Supporting the Programmes & Partnership Manager in securing trust and foundation funding, which will include: performing donor research; drafting, proofreading, and editing grant applications and reports (in part or in full); and ad hoc administration relating to donor management.

2. Supporting the Corporate Liaison Officer to secure corporate funding, which will include: researching potential donor companies; supporting corporate facing marketing materials; and supporting creation of report and proposal materials.

3. Supporting the Managing Director and the Director of Programmes and Operation, to ensure the smooth running of the organisation, which will include: preparing financial reports and documentation; note taking at trustees’ meetings; supporting development of policy and procedural documentation; building on fundraising and networking opportunities; and supporting the recruitment process.

It should be noted that the successful candidate will take on a variety of tasks outlined above. While SEED Madagascar will make every attempt to tailor the tasks to the post-holder’s desired area of experience, this will be balanced by the priorities of the organisation.

Desired Knowledge/Experience/Skills/Qualifications

• Hold or be studying towards an undergraduate degree in or relating to international development (or have equivalent professional/experiential background).

• Knowledge and/or keen interest in development and/or conservation issues facing least developed countries such as Madagascar; previous experience living or working in a developing country would be an asset.

• Knowledge and/or keen interest in at least one of SEED Madagascar’s five core areas (community health; sustainable livelihoods; environmental conservation; education infrastructure and water, sanitation and hygiene); previous experience of community-based work would be an asset.

• Excellent analytical skills and ability to gather and assimilate information from various sources, compile documents (reports and proposals), and identify lessons learnt and best practice.

• Sound ability to adapt material for different audiences.

• Be able to conduct internet research.

• Be able to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Be able to financially support themselves for the duration of their internship as there is no stipend available for travel or sustenance.

• Strong written English is essential, French and/or Malagasy would be an asset.

• Be willing to take on mundane tasks such as drafting thank you notes for donors