South West Blood Bikes is a small local charity that delivers blood and other urgent medical items to hospitals and other healthcare facilities out of hours. The charity is run entirely by volunteers and relies on donations from individuals, corporations, and other organizations to cover its operational costs.
In order to keep our charity in a position that we are able to meet the demands of those who rely on us, the charity needs to have a good level of income coming in. This will ensure that we are able to have the required number of vehicles to meet demand, and that there are sufficient funds available to keep the fleet up to date, insured, fuelled and maintained to a good standard.
While much of the funding we receive comes in at a local level, through collection pots in public places, talks given to community groups, attendance at local events and collections at supermarkets etc, there is also a need to seek out corporate sponsorship and grants, and also to maintain beneficial relationships with those who support us directly online.
We are therefore seeking a Fundraising Lead, to cover off these roles.
Primary Responsibilities
Grant Funding
Seeking out sources where grants may be obtained for charities, using a number of databases that our charities have access to.
Deciding which grant funders may be likely to consider a request for support from our charity, after reading the acceptability criteria.
Considering the type of grant that we wish to apply for (Specific project or running costs) and ensuring that this meets the potential funders criteria.
Preparing, submitting and monitoring the progress of the application, and keeping a detailed record of grants applied for, along with the outcome, and dates when we may apply for subsequent additional funding if appropriate.
Corporate Sponsorship/Funding
Reaching out to local and national businesses to raise the profile of the charity and see whether they would be interested in donating to us, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, or in return for sponsorship opportunities, such as having their branding on our vehicles, uniforms, website, or our featuring their business in our social media.
Keeping records of companies approached, and following all leads until they can go no further.
Ensuring that any requirements from grants or other funding received are publicised within the wider committee, so we are certain to meet any expectations – such as attendance at events, branding on vehicles or uniform that has been agreed, or publicity needed on social media/website happens when it should.
Other funders
Working with the Treasurer/Book keeper to collate the details of all those who have donated to us either by post, online, standing order etc and building/maintaining a database to record this information. Working with others on the committee to prepare a quarterly newsletter and distribute this via email to these donors unless they have opted out, to keep them engaged and hopefully generate further income.
Requirements
Essential:
A good degree of literacy and numeracy, with good IT Skills (Microsoft Office Applications)
Good organisational skills, and motivation to succeed even though the rate of rejection for grants is high and can be demotivating.
Skilled at locating potential funding by online research
Experience of working with volunteers, as opposed to paid staff
Able to attend meetings either in person or via Teams/Zoom as needed
Desirable:
Experience of writing grant applications or similar funding applications
Experience of working to identify and secure corporate sponsorship/funding
The ability to set up and maintain a charity CRM Database
Knowledge of the Fundraising Code
Knowledge of Charity Commission requirements.