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- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts to secure £2.7m for the redevelopment of Benton End.
- Company: The Garden Museum, dedicated to preserving and celebrating horticultural heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive fee, opportunity to work on a meaningful cultural project.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for creative input and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in arts and heritage while supporting community engagement.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience in arts or heritage sectors and strategic thinking skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 £ per year.
The Garden Museum is seeking an experienced Fundraiser to lead on match-funding a £2.65m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for Benton End Revived: the renewal and redevelopment of Benton End, a Grade II* listed Tudor property with significant artistic, horticultural, and social heritage. The goal is to transform Benton End into a vibrant, accessible and sustainable arts and learning centre, reimagining the radical spirit of Sir Cedric Morris and Arthur Lett-Haines’s art school and garden legacy.
This commission covers the Development Phase of a Heritage Fund-supported capital project and the period during which the Delivery Phase application is being assessed. The Fundraiser will collaborate closely with the client team, project manager and stakeholders throughout.
The redevelopment of Benton End seeks to:
- Conserve and restore the Grade II* listed house and associated gardens structures
- Create inclusive and accessible facilities for learning, exhibitions, and residencies
- Respect and celebrate the site’s layered heritage, including its significance in queer history
- Embed sustainability and environmental responsibility in all design choices
- Enable operational and financial sustainability through a mixed-use business model
The fundraising consultant will be responsible for raising a total of £2.7m by December 2027. This comprises £1.8m in gifts or pledges in order to match-fund The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Delivery Phase grant of £2.65m; and the remainder to support additional output costs at Benton End.
The consultant will be expected to lead on the following areas:
- Review the Fundraising process for the Development Phase of the project in partnership with the client team
- Review the existing Fundraising Strategy submitted to the Heritage Fund
- Re‑develop, update and deliver a comprehensive Fundraising Strategy to achieve the necessary match funding for the Delivery Phase of the project including phased targets, pipeline planning, and approach methodology
- Identify potential funding sources, including charitable trusts and foundations, major individual donors, philanthropic legacy leads (including those with interests in art, horticulture, LGBTQIA+ causes, and regional heritage), corporate supporters and in‑kind contributors
- Cross check all potential funding sources and potential prospects with the client team, paying particular attention to the Garden Museum’s other fundraising programmes, existing funders and live/upcoming campaigns
- Produce a detailed fundraising plan with goals, milestones, specific targets and details of which funding sources will be approached at each stage of the campaign
- Support cultivation of key prospects, including advising on pitches, proposals, and relationship management and leading these where appropriate
- Develop a ‘Case for Support’ and campaign materials tailored to different audiences
- Work with the client team to ensure fundraising aligns with Heritage Fund Delivery Phase submission (August 2027), Activity and Interpretation Plans and capital delivery timelines and cash flow needs
- Provide reports on all fundraising activity and data collected, in formats that are compatible with the client team’s CRM
- Support the implementation of the live campaign: tracking targets, overseeing donor communications, and managing asks
The selected consultant should have:
- A strong track record of raising capital funds in the arts, culture, or heritage sector
- Experience working with national funders (e.g. trusts/foundations, High Net Worth Individuals, and corporates)
- Knowledge of Heritage Fund processes and expectations
- Experience in creating compelling cases for support, particularly for multidisciplinary projects (art, heritage, gardens, LGBTQIA+ history)
- Sensitivity to inclusive fundraising and community engagement
- Strategic thinking with a collaborative and proactive working style
The budget for the fundraising consultant's fee is a maximum of £36,000 excl VAT, to include all travel and expenses and with an expectation that the consultant will be on site regularly at Benton End, Hadleigh, Suffolk. This consultant will report into the Project Manager, but will also work closely with the Garden Museum Development Director and the Benton End Board.
Fundraising Consultant employer: Garden Museum
Contact Detail:
Garden Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fundraising Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the arts and heritage sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential collaborators or funders. You never know who might have the perfect opportunity for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you’re chatting with potential clients or stakeholders, let your enthusiasm for fundraising and the arts shine through. Share your ideas on how to make Benton End a vibrant hub for learning and creativity – it’ll make you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! Each funding source is unique, so make sure you customise your pitches and proposals to resonate with their specific interests. Whether it’s art, horticulture, or LGBTQIA+ causes, showing that you understand their values can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources and opportunities that can help you land that fundraising consultant role. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on what we’re looking for and how you can fit into our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Fundraising Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Fundraising Consultant role. Highlight your experience in arts and heritage fundraising, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that align with the goals of Benton End.
Showcase Your Track Record: We want to see your success stories! Include examples of how you've raised funds in the past, especially if you’ve worked with national funders or on multidisciplinary projects. This will help us understand your capabilities and how you can contribute to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised as we review applications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Garden Museum
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you’re familiar with the financial targets and fundraising goals outlined in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you would approach raising the £2.7m needed, including specific strategies for engaging major donors and trusts.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work that demonstrate your success in fundraising within the arts or heritage sectors. Highlight any relevant projects where you’ve developed compelling cases for support or worked with national funders.
✨Understand the Heritage Fund
Brush up on the processes and expectations of the Heritage Fund. Being able to speak knowledgeably about their requirements will show that you’re serious about aligning your fundraising strategy with their goals.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role involves working closely with various stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with teams in the past, particularly in developing fundraising strategies or managing donor relationships.