Fundraising & Grants Volunteer

Purpose of the Role

The Fundraising & Grants Volunteer will support Disability Africa in identifying aligned funding opportunities and preparing clear, well-structured grant applications. The role connects donor research with proposal development, helping to strengthen the organisation’s funding pipeline in line with programme priorities and values.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and identify trusts, foundations, corporates, and other grant-making bodies aligned with disability inclusion, play, education, and community-based development.
• Assess eligibility criteria, funding priorities, grant size, and strategic fit.
• Prepare concise donor briefs summarising alignment and recommended next steps.
• Maintain and update a simple tracking system (deadlines, application stages, reporting requirements).
• Draft and edit sections of grant applications.
• Adapt core organisational content to specific funder guidelines and word limits.
• Support budget alignment in collaboration with the team.
• Contribute to building a reusable content library (programme summaries, impact statements, organisational descriptions).

What We Are Looking For

• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written English.
• Ability to synthesise complex information clearly and concisely.
• Structured, detail-oriented approach.
• Ability to work independently with guidance from the team.
• Comfortable integrating feedback into draft applications.

Approach and Mindset

• Alignment with Disability Africa’s vision and Social Model of Disability.
• Commitment to accurate, ethical, and respectful representation.
• Sensitivity to power dynamics in funding relationships.
• Respect for partner-led priorities rather than donor-driven agendas.
• Commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities for disabled children and young people.

Desirable (but not essential)

• Experience in fundraising, philanthropy, CSR, or NGO work.
• Previous exposure to trust and foundation applications.
• Familiarity with UK funding landscapes.
• Experience working with or alongside grassroots organisations.

Time Commitment

Flexible; typically 4–6 hours per week.
Minimum commitment of 12 months.
The role can be adapted to the volunteer’s availability and strengths.

What the Volunteer Will Gain

• Hands-on experience in live funding pipelines.
• Exposure to real grant applications and funder criteria.
• Insight into how strategy translates into organisational sustainability.
• Professional reference upon successful completion of the role.