Volunteer Grant writer for small, innovative mental health charity

What will you be doing?

The objective of the role is to secure funding from trusts, foundations and corporates, to enable Tower House Horses CIO to continue to offer it's equine assisted learning programmes to vulnerable people with mental health challenges.  THH is fortunate to have received support from a wide range of funders including TNLCF,  Comic Relief, The Henry Smith Charity, Anton Jurgens Charitable Trust, The D'Oyly Carte Foundation and many others.  Although we have some corporate funding, and a small amount of Primary Purpose Trades work (public sector), we fundraise over 70% of the funds we need each year. Working closely with the CEO, the volunteer will undertake fundraising activities, including prospect research, grant proposal writing, editing, submission, and follow up. The retiring Grants Writer will also be available during the hand-over period. Applications are welcome from any part of the country. The Grants Writer will

Develop and write grant applications to foundations and other grant-making organisations persuasively communicating the organisation’s mission, programmes and outcomes to potential funders;  these will be a mix of single and multiple year applications for funds Assemble and submit grant requests, including letters, proposals, and budgets Research and identify potential sources of foundation and corporate grants and governmental funding Track and update a calendar of grant opportunities – including deadline dates, funder’s criteria, proposed beneficiary groups etc; an outline calendar is available currently which lists funders which THH can reapply to in 2024 the majority of whom have funded us before Actively seek donations from corporate partners Produce a quarterly Fundraising Report for the Board of Trustees;  this is an established process and a copy can be made available on request

We are subscribed to My Funding Central, Community Matters and Sport England.  We also receive funding alerts via newsletter.  We are registered with CAF on-line from which we receive a small level of donations.     

What are we looking for?

Creative, experienced, confident fundraiser with at least 3 years experience.

What difference will you make?

Our mission is to continue to support the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our society.  THH do this by providing equine assisted learning programmes.   We offer 6-week programmes on a 1-2-1 basis or in small groups of not more than six.  We also offer half-day respite sessions to some beneficiary groups including carers who, due to their responsibilities, cannot commit to a 6-week programme.  This ground-based interaction with horses helps to develop a different level of self-awareness which directly impacts their emotional health and wellbeing.  It also helps to break through their social isolation, an important first step to re-building resilience and a renewed sense of purpose. Interacting with horses is an innovative, proven approach and an empowering experience.  For some it is life-changing. Your fundraising activities will help the charity thrive and make our long term growth sustainable at a time of exciting plans.  Your impact on the beneficiaries cannot be underestimated.  The demand for mental health services in the UK far outstrips the ability of the NHS to meet them.  Long waiting lists result in feelings of hopelessness for people who are struggling day-to-day to cope with mental health challenges.  THH has a significant amount of data which supports our claim to achieve 'significant and sustainable change' in our beneficiaries.  With your support we can continue to change people's lives for the better.