No fundraising experience? No problem.
We’re not looking for a seasoned fundraiser – we’re looking for someone local, with great people skills, strong community connections, and the drive to make a difference. If you’re a confident communicator, well-connected in Bedford, and willing to learn, we’ll give you the training and support you need to succeed in this role. Community & Corporate Fundraiser
Location: Prebend Street Hub, Bedford (with some remote working and community travel)
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week, flexible). The role will require attendance at some events outside the traditional working hours of 9–5, including occasional evenings and weekends.
Salary: 26,000.00 per annum 1 year contract with view to extend
Reports to: Head of Business & Communications
About SMART CJS
SMART CJS is a charity supporting people who are homeless, vulnerably housed, or at risk of homelessness. Through services such as the Prebend Centre, Night Beds, Rogers Court, Kate’s Place and outreach projects, we provide food, shelter, practical support, and pathways to rebuild lives with dignity and hope.
We are seeking a Community & Corporate Fundraiser to play a key role in helping us grow income, expand supporter engagement, and strengthen our presence across Bedford. Purpose of the Role
The Community & Corporate Fundraiser will develop and deliver fundraising activity across three key areas:
1. Community fundraising – driving growth in regular giving, running appeals, building relationships with faith groups, schools, community organisations and local councillors.
2. Grant fundraising – writing and submitting small to medium grant applications (typically under £5,000), working closely with colleagues to hit bid submission targets.
3. Corporate fundraising – developing new partnerships with local businesses, building on our “warm list” of past supporters, and laying the groundwork for future growth in this area.
They will also work closely with the Business & Communications Lead to increase fundraising through social media, digital campaigns, and other online revenue streams.
This role is Bedford-based and requires strong local knowledge and networks. The successful candidate will be expected to live in or around the Bedford area, know the area well, and ideally bring existing links that can be used to support fundraising activity. Key Responsibilities
Community Fundraising
- Grow the number of regular givers to meet annual fundraising targets.
- Lead on community appeals, including the Winter Appeal.
- Organise supporter events such as Open Days and Donor Visits.
- Build and manage relationships with local councillors, schools, the College, the University, and community groups such as Rotary Clubs.
- Take responsibility for engaging and growing relationships with local churches and other faith communities.
- Support digital fundraising efforts by helping create and promote community appeals on social media, in collaboration with the Business & Communications Lead.
Grant Fundraising
- Research, write, and submit a pipeline of small to medium grant applications (typically under £5,000) working with the trusts and foundations bid writer.
- Work as part of the fundraising team (alongside colleagues and volunteers) to achieve annual bid submission targets.
- Track applications, outcomes, and reapplication dates alongside colleagues.
Corporate Fundraising
- Build new and maintain existing relationships with local businesses, developing SMART’s corporate giving programme.
- Manage and develop a “warm list” of past and current corporate donors.
- Work with the Business & Communications Lead to explore online opportunities for corporate support (e.g. sponsorships, matched-giving campaigns, or digital partnerships).
- Support the groundwork for future legacy fundraising.
Other Duties
- Attend Fundraising Committee meetings and contribute to planning.
- Ensure accurate record-keeping of all donor and supporter interactions.
- Act as an ambassador for SMART CJS in the community, representing the charity at meetings, networking events, and public engagements.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Resident in Bedford area, with excellent local knowledge and networks.
- Strong people skills – confident in networking, building rapport, and engaging diverse groups.
- Good organiser with strong attention to detail and record-keeping.
- Energy, commitment, and the ability to work independently.
- Team player with a collaborative approach.
- Genuine interest in homelessness and improving people’s lives.
- Creative thinker, able to find new ways to raise funds and engage supporters.
- Empathy and strong communication skills.
- Numerate and comfortable working with budgets, targets, and reporting.
Desirable but not essential:
- Previous experience in fundraising (community, corporate or grants).
- Experience of writing funding applications.
- Knowledge of the charity or homelessness sector.
- Experience of digital fundraising, social media campaigns, or online giving platforms.