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- Tasks: Lead trusts and grants fundraising to secure vital income for impactful community programmes.
- Company: Join Firstsite, a creative hub dedicated to art and positive societal change.
- Benefits: Be part of an inclusive team with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities through creativity and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and strong relationship-building skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Firstsite is seeking an experienced and motivated Trusts & Grants Manager to lead our trusts and grants fundraising and secure vital income for our programmes, including Holiday Fun, YAK, exhibitions, learning, and community projects. This is an exciting opportunity to join a creative and purpose-driven team and play a key role in shaping work that has real impact in our communities.
About the role
- Develop and deliver a proactive trusts and grants fundraising strategy.
- Secure funding from trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies, with a target of £120,000 for 2026/27, contributing to an overall organisational target of £300,000.
- Identify and research new prospects, write high-quality funding applications, and produce compelling cases for support.
- Manage the grants pipeline, deadlines, and reporting requirements.
- Work collaboratively across the organisation to gather budgets, impact data, and programme information.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with funders.
- Uphold best practice in safeguarding when working with young people through programmes such as YAK.
You will be the organisation’s specialist in trusts and grants, supported by the Head of Philanthropy and working closely with colleagues across Firstsite.
About Firstsite
Our mission is to ensure art and creativity are valued for their integral role in shaping a happy and healthy society for everyone. We do this by championing creativity as a catalyst for positive change in society, celebrating everyone’s imaginations as places to shape a better future and demonstrating the impact of art and galleries at the centre of everyday life. We collaborate with people where, together, we can have the most impact and we share the results of our work with diverse audiences to influence change. We do this in three places: in our award-winning gallery, reflecting our radical region and digitally with audiences around the world.
To do this well we have four values that help us do what we do, to the best of our abilities: Creative – Inclusive – Agile – Responsible
Firstsite’s commitment to inclusion
We pride ourselves on being a place where your individuality is valued; you can be yourself and still achieve your potential. We believe that your individuality helps us to deliver the best results to our objectives. Diversity of background, experience, perspective, are all important to us. Firstsite is proud to be an inclusive employer and we seek to attract and retain the best people from the widest possible talent pool. We are a Disability Confident Committed employer. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process. We aim to offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum requirements of the role and we look to anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments, as required.
How to apply for this role
To apply for the role, please send your CV and a covering letter that clearly explains how your experience and skills match the criteria listed in the job description. Deadline for applications is: 9am – Fri 20 Feb 26. Interviews will take place: W/C Mon 2 Mar 26.
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Trusts & Grants Manager in Colchester employer: Firstsite Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Firstsite Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trusts & Grants Manager in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the arts and fundraising sectors, attend events, and connect with potential funders. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Research organisations like Firstsite and reach out directly to express your interest in their mission and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for trusts and grants shine through. Share your ideas on how you can help them achieve their funding goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our creative and purpose-driven team.
We think you need these skills to ace Trusts & Grants Manager in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the Trusts & Grants Manager role. Highlight your experience in fundraising and how it aligns with our mission at Firstsite. We want to see your passion for creativity and community impact shine through!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements in securing funding. Use numbers and examples to illustrate your success. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous roles, so don’t hold back!
Research is Key: Before you hit send, do a bit of research on Firstsite and our projects. Mentioning specific programmes like Holiday Fun or YAK in your application shows us that you’re genuinely interested and have taken the time to understand our work.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Be yourself, but also ensure that your writing reflects the seriousness of the role. And don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Firstsite Ltd.
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Firstsite's mission and values. Understand their programmes like Holiday Fun and YAK, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Skills
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in securing funding from trusts and foundations. Be ready to discuss your strategies for writing compelling applications and managing grant pipelines. This will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current projects and how you can support them. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but are eager to be part of their team.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Since Firstsite values diversity and inclusion, share your experiences working in diverse teams or with various communities. Highlight how you can contribute to their inclusive culture and support their mission of making art accessible to everyone.
