Trusts & Foundations Manager

POST OUTLINE

This is a permanent role within the Income Generation team, responsible for unlocking significant income from trusts and foundations to power the charity s services future growth. Working across the organisation, you will shape compelling funding opportunities, connect funders to real impact and help build a stronger, more ambitious grants programme.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

This is a pivotal role responsible for driving significant income growth from Trusts and Foundations by developing and delivering a focused, high quality grants programme. You will identify and secure funding for priority services, develop compelling cases for support and build strong, long-term relationships with funders.

You will take full ownership of the grants pipeline from opportunity identification through to submission and reporting, ensuring a disciplined, results-focussed approach to income generation. As Line Manager of the Grants Team you will set clear direction, raise standards and deliver consistent performance against income targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a targeted Trusts and Foundations plan, prioritising opportunities aligned to organisational priorities and income potential.
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospects, applications, reports and renewals, ensuring a consistent flow of income.
• Research and assess funding opportunities in depth, using insights to target funders with the highest likelihood of success.
• Write and submit high-quality, compelling applications and proposals tailored to individual funder priorities and requirements.
• Translate complex service delivery outcomes and language into clear and persuasive cases for support.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Trusts and Foundations, treating funders as long-term partners.
• Lead on funder reporting and stewardship, delivering timely, high-quality updates that build trust and secure repeat funding.
• Work closely with services and senior colleagues to develop fundable projects, robust budgets and credible impact reporting.
• Manage multiple deadlines and priorities effectively, managing high standards across all applications and communications.
• Monitor performance against targets, using insights and learning from outcomes to continuously refine approach.
• Ensure all applications and reports meet funder guidelines with a strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Line manage and develop members of the Grants Team setting clear expectations and maintaining high performance.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria:

• Significant experience securing income from Trusts and Foundations, including five and six figure gifts, both single and multi-year.
• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding income targets through a strategic, pipeline led approach.
• Strong experience of developing compelling, high-quality cases for support, funding applications and proposals.
• Ability to translate complex services and impact into clear, persuasive cases for support.
• Experience building and managing relationships with funders, securing repeat funding.
• Strong research and prioritisation skills, with the ability to assess opportunities effectively.
• Experience managing a pipeline of prospects, applications and renewals.
• Excellent written and communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Experience working collaboratively across teams.
• Experience of line management.
• Knowledge of fundraising regulation, compliance and data protection.
• A proactive, delivery focused approach with the ability to turn ideas into action.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience working within children s, disability or health-related charities.
• Knowledge of the UK s Trusts and Foundations landscape.
• Experience using prospect research tools i.e. GrantFinder or similar.
• Experience with Raiser s Edge NXT or other CRM systems.
• Experience working in a growing or changing organisation.