Company Description
Tools for Self Reliance is a charity focused on alleviating poverty in Africa and the UK. We work with and through local partners in Ghana, Malawi, Uganda and Zambia to deliver training programmes where participants learn or develop vocational training skills, delivered alongside business training and life skills training. This is supplemented through a programme which supports trainees as they transition into work, providing mentorship, start up support and additional training as needed. We also deliver a business development programme, working with existing businesses to top up their practical and business skills.
To enable participants to move into work post training, our projects also include provision of tools and equipment they need for work. This is achieved either through shipping of donated and refurbished tools from the UK or through in-country purchasing.
In the UK we have over 350 volunteers who support our work through the collection and refurbishment of tools and fundraising and awareness raising. Whist many of the tools donated to the charity are sent to our projects in Africa, there are opportunities in the UK too. In order to make good use of the skills and expertise of our volunteers and to ensure our refurbished tools are in the hands of trades people, last year we launched a UK Kits programme which will see us supporting organisations and charities who deliver vocational training and skills apprenticeship with kits and tools needed for their trainees. Alongside this programme, we also make use of tools which are in demand in the UK and sell these to generate income through a variety of outlets, including our new retail shop at our headquarters in Netley Marsh, online via eBay and via local events supported by our volunteers.
Role Description
Our ideal candidate will have experience of working in fundraising and be passionate and committed to making a difference in people's lives. You will be an experienced and motivated individual ready to operationalise our trusts and grants programme and have the drive to achieve an ambitious five figure income target, key to delivering our work in Africa and the UK.
The Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser will be responsible for identifying, researching, and developing relationships with potential trust and foundation donors. Daily tasks will include writing grant applications, preparing fundraising proposals, maintaining donor databases, and ensuring compliance with all grant requirements. The role also involves tracking and reporting on the progress of grant-funded projects.
This is a full-time hybrid role for a Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser based in Netley Marsh, a small village about six miles from Southampton. All staff are offered one day a week to work at home, with the remainder of their hours being fulfilled at our offices.
Qualifications
* An understanding of trusts and foundations fundraising in the UK and at least 3 years of experience, ideally within the charity sector
* Experience in writing grant applications and preparing fundraising proposals
* Strong research and analytical skills, with an ability to identify potential donors
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Experience in donor relationship management and database maintenance
* Proficiency in tracking and reporting on project progress
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a hybrid work environment
* Experience in the non-profit sector and a passion for poverty alleviation and sustainable development
* A fundraising qualification or similar, transferable qualification (desirable but not essential)