Volunteer Grants & Funding Officer

Join Sirens & Sparkles as a Volunteer Grants & Funding Officer and help us identify and secure funding to develop our inclusive clubs and activities for children and young people with SEND.

This is a flexible role that can be carried out largely from home, with occasional online or in-person meetings where needed.

The role may include:

• Researching grants, trusts, foundations and other funding opportunities
• Checking eligibility criteria and identifying suitable opportunities for Sirens & Sparkles First Aid CIC
• Helping prepare and write grant and funding applications
• Supporting the development of clear project descriptions and funding proposals
• Helping gather information and supporting evidence required for applications
• Assisting with agreed project budgets and funding information
• Keeping records of applications, deadlines, decisions and outcomes
• Helping identify future funding opportunities and upcoming deadlines
• Supporting monitoring or reporting requirements for successful grants where appropriate

Volunteering as part of the funding team

This is a shared role, with two Grants & Funding Officers working together alongside the Director. Volunteers can divide research, applications and other funding tasks according to their skills, experience, availability and application deadlines.

You will be provided with information about our organisation, projects, priorities, budgets and current funding needs.

You will not be expected to make financial or organisational decisions independently, enter into agreements or submit significant funding applications without appropriate approval.

Previous experience of grant writing, bid writing, fundraising, research or the voluntary and community sector is welcome, but not essential. We also welcome applicants with transferable skills who would like to develop experience in this area.

We are looking for volunteers who are organised, reliable, comfortable researching information and able to communicate clearly in writing. You should be comfortable volunteering independently as well as collaboratively with another Grants & Funding Officer and the Director.

Full induction, guidance and ongoing support will be provided.

This is a voluntary, unpaid role for applicants aged 18+.

What skills do I need?

Previous experience of grant writing, bid writing, fundraising or working within the voluntary and community sector is welcome but not essential. We also welcome applicants with transferable skills who would like to develop experience in this area.

We are looking for volunteers who:

• Have good written communication skills
• Are comfortable researching information online
• Can read and understand grant eligibility criteria and application guidance
• Are organised and able to keep track of information and deadlines
• Have good attention to detail
• Can volunteer independently on agreed tasks while also collaborating with another Grants & Funding Officer and keeping in regular contact with the Director
• Are comfortable with basic budgets and financial information
• Can share information and coordinate tasks with another member of the funding team
• Can handle organisational information appropriately and confidentially
• Are willing to learn about Sirens & Sparkles First Aid CIC, our activities and the communities we support

Experience of grant applications, bid writing, fundraising, research, project development or budgeting would be particularly useful, but you do not need experience in all of these areas.

This is a shared role, and the two Grants & Funding Officers will be encouraged to divide tasks according to their individual skills, experience, availability and application deadlines.

You will not be expected to make financial decisions or commitments on behalf of Sirens & Sparkles First Aid CIC. Funding applications and significant requests will be discussed and approved before submission.

You do not need to be an experienced professional fundraiser to apply. Guidance, information and ongoing support will be provided, and the role can develop around your existing skills and experience.