At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts for a £2.65m grant to transform Benton End into a vibrant arts centre.
- Company: The Garden Museum, dedicated to preserving and celebrating horticultural and artistic heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive fee, opportunity to make a significant impact in the arts and heritage sector.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and networking.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help revive a historic site with rich cultural significance.
- Qualifications: Proven fundraising experience in arts or heritage, strategic thinking, and community engagement 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.
This opportunity is made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.
Application requirements:
- Proven examples of recent, similar work at an equivalent level of project value and heritage significance
- CV demonstrating relevant experience and examples of previous projects – if more than one consultant then CVs and highlighted experience of each team member
- Fee proposal
- Outline methodology and approach
- At least two references from comparable heritage or arts capital project
- Confirmation of insurance (minimum £1 million Professional Indemnity and £1 million Public Liability insurance, and £1 million Employers Liability cover (if applicable), or ability and willingness to obtain)
Clarifying questions should be sent to bentonend@gardenmuseum.org.uk by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026. For the full tender pack, including all appendices, go to: Consultant Brief: Fundraiser, Benton End Revived - Garden Museum
Fundraising Consultant in Suffolk employer: Garden Museum
The Garden Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the transformative redevelopment of Benton End, a site rich in artistic and social heritage. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and community engagement, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while working collaboratively in a vibrant environment that celebrates creativity and history. Located in Hadleigh, Suffolk, this role not only provides meaningful work but also allows for regular interaction with passionate stakeholders dedicated to preserving and enhancing cultural legacies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fundraising Consultant in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the arts and heritage sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential collaborators or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Tailor your pitch! When you get the chance to speak with someone about the Fundraising Consultant role, make sure to highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the Garden Museum's mission. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit for their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the best choice for the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application stand out. Plus, applying directly through us ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of something amazing!
We think you need these skills to ace Fundraising Consultant in Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're putting together your application, make sure to highlight your previous fundraising successes, especially in the arts or heritage sectors. We want to see how you've tackled similar projects and what results you achieved!
Tailor Your Approach:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Take the time to tailor your application to this specific role at Benton End. We’re looking for someone who understands our mission and can connect their experience to our goals.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your methodology and approach are easy to understand. This will help us see how you plan to tackle the fundraising challenge ahead.
Submit Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website by the deadline! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials properly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join us in making Benton End a vibrant hub!
How to prepare for a job interview at Garden Museum
✨Know Your Heritage
Familiarise yourself with the history and significance of Benton End and its artistic legacy. Understanding the context will help you articulate how your fundraising strategies can align with the museum's mission and values.
✨Showcase Your Track Record
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous fundraising successes, especially in the arts or heritage sectors. Highlight your experience with national funders and how you've successfully navigated similar projects.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Develop a clear 'Case for Support' that resonates with the Garden Museum's goals. Be ready to present how you would create compelling campaign materials for different audiences, showcasing your strategic thinking and creativity.
✨Engage Collaboratively
Demonstrate your ability to work closely with diverse stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you would cultivate relationships with key prospects and ensure alignment with the client team’s objectives throughout the fundraising process.
