At a Glance
- Tasks: Identify grant opportunities and write compelling proposals to support refugees' education.
- Company: ConnectionHub, a charity dedicated to empowering refugees through blended learning.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in grant writing while making a real difference.
- Other info: Remote role with a commitment of 3-6 months; perfect for passionate individuals.
- Why this job: Help change lives by securing funding for vital educational programmes.
- Qualifications: Experience in grant writing and excellent communication skills required.
ConnectionHub is a UK‑registered charity offering blended learning programmes to refugees and asylum seekers in Greece. Currently, the lack of educational opportunities leaves refugees and asylum seekers in Lesbos, Greece exposed to a future of social exclusion, precarious employment, exploitation, and poverty. ConnectionHub’s mission is to provide education and integration opportunities via blended learning pathways to people in crisis and conflict contexts, in order to reduce this human suffering and exploitation.
Blended learning, which utilises both online and offline educational material and support, is proven to better facilitate students’ learning journey; with this approach we hope to give refugees and asylum seekers the chance to develop new skills that will build their capacities as individuals, help them bridge the literacy gap, and support them to change the trajectory of their lives by creating job opportunities and economic empowerment. ConnectionHub’s programmes are accessible to displaced people regardless of legal status, gender, age, or ethnic identity.
Position: Grant Writer
Hours: minimum 4 hours per week
Location: Remote
Volunteering commitment: 3 - 6 months
ConnectionHub is looking for an experienced, innovative, and outgoing individual with a demonstrable record of consistent grant writing success. The Grant Writer will be responsible for identifying grant opportunities, and managing the grant development and proposal process. Candidates must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, a professional and resourceful attitude, the ability to work both independently and as a team player, and a desire to take initiative and manage numerous projects simultaneously.
Responsibilities
- Identify and research prospective Trusts, Foundations and other funding sources relevant to ConnectionHub’s funding needs.
- Track and create a calendar of grant opportunities – including deadline dates, required materials, etc.
- Develop ConnectionHub’s Trust and Foundations fundraising strategy to maintain a strong and diverse income pipeline that meets ConnectionHub‘s funding needs.
- Develop knowledge of ConnectionHub’s projects and stakeholders to ensure that funding approaches are fully reflective of our work and in line with funders’ priorities.
- Write high quality, persuasive bids that meet funders’ interests and requirements and write any additional documents in support of funding bids.
- Maintain chart of grant applications: including grants applied to, status of application, grant deadline.
- Review all bid feedback and ensure knowledge is shared, so that learning informs ConnectionHub’s future approach.
- Identify and write up case studies to inform audiences of the difference ConnectionHub makes in communities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in creative writing or related field.
- Demonstrated experience in obtaining grants from nonprofits, charities, and other philanthropic organisations.
- Experience of building Trust and Foundation pipelines and excellent knowledge of fundraising information sources.
- Excellent written skills including an ability to write compelling funding briefs, reports and proposals.
- Ability to manage rejection and overcome common proposal objections.
- Well organised, with effective time management and problem solving skills.
- Strong interpersonal and presentation skills required.
- Excellent IT skills (proficient in Microsoft packages).
Additional Information
DBS Check: All volunteers are required to have a valid DBS certificate.
Grant Writer (Volunteer- Unpaid) in City of Westminster employer: ConnectionHub
ConnectionHub is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of refugees and asylum seekers. With a strong commitment to education and integration, our remote volunteering opportunities allow you to contribute to vital programmes while enjoying a flexible work culture that values innovation and collaboration. Join us in creating pathways to empowerment and witness firsthand the difference your efforts can make in communities facing adversity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grant Writer (Volunteer- Unpaid) in City of Westminster
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Grant Writer (Volunteer- Unpaid) in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like ConnectionHub, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at ConnectionHub.
How to prepare for a job interview at ConnectionHub
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of ConnectionHub and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
