At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts to support companionship for older people in care homes.
- Company: Friends for Life Bedfordshire, a charity tackling loneliness among care home residents.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and enjoy hands-on ownership of your work.
- Why this job: Transform lives by securing funds for meaningful connections in care homes.
- Qualifications: Experience in fundraising and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 18334 - 18334 £ per year.
Help tackle loneliness among older people in care homes. Thousands of older people living in care homes receive few or no visitors. Friends for Life Bedfordshire exists to change that. Through our befriending and group activities, we bring companionship, connection and meaningful relationships to care home residents across Bedford and the surrounding area. We are now looking for a Fundraiser to help secure and grow the income that makes this work possible.
About Friends for Life Bedfordshire: We are a Bedford-based charity working to address the social isolation of older residents in Bedfordshire’s care homes. Founded in 2007, we have grown from a small local initiative to a registered charity with c90 volunteers supporting more than 30 care homes across Bedford Borough. In the last year, over 1,100 care home residents received our services.
The Role: This is a pivotal role for the charity. It is key to the delivery of our business plan and growth aspirations. You will take ownership of fundraising and income generation, ensuring we have the resources to sustain and grow our impact. You will lead on grant fundraising whilst also developing community and individual giving, and delivering engaging fundraising events. This is a hands‑on role in a small organisation, so you will have real ownership and visibility. You will shape our fundraising strategy and directly influence how many residents we can reach. This role is suited to someone who is both strategic and practical — someone who can develop the fundraising strategy and the plan to deliver this, but is equally comfortable writing applications, building relationships and making things happen.
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify and secure funding from trusts, foundations and statutory bodies
- Write high-quality, compelling funding applications
- Build and manage a strong pipeline of funding opportunities
- Maintain relationships with funders, including reporting and stewardship
- Grow income through local partnerships, supporters and community initiatives
- Engage schools, businesses and individuals to generate support
- Work with Marketing, Partnerships & Activities Lead to develop campaigns that drive regular and one-off donations
- Strengthen our local supporter base and visibility
- Plan and deliver fundraising events (community and corporate), managing logistics, budgets and stakeholder coordination
- Work with Marketing, Partnerships & Activities Lead to promote events through social media and marketing platforms
- Ensure events are engaging, effective and financially successful
- Evaluate performance and improve future activity
Strategy, Compliance & Reporting:
- Develop and deliver a clear fundraising strategy aligned to organisational goals
- Track performance against targets and provide insight
- Ensure all fundraising is compliant with regulations and best practice
- Represent the charity externally with confidence and credibility
About You: We are looking for someone who can take ownership of fundraising and produce results in a small, resource‑constrained environment. You will likely bring:
- Experience developing or contributing to a fundraising strategy
- Proven experience in fundraising, with a track record of generating income
- Strong experience in writing successful grant applications
- Experience of developing and growing income from community fundraising initiatives (e.g. partnerships, volunteer‑led activities, individuals and events)
- Ability to build and manage relationships with funders, donors or partners
- Strong written communication skills — able to create compelling cases for support
- Ability to work independently, prioritise effectively and meet deadlines
- A proactive, resourceful approach — you don’t wait to be told what to do
- Comfortable balancing strategy with hands‑on delivery
What We Offer: £16.79 per hour (£18,334 per year for 21 hours per week), flexible and hybrid working, a supportive and passionate team of staff, volunteers and trustees, and the chance to transform the lives of care home residents every single week.
How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a short covering statement outlining how your experience aligns with the position. Selection will be via an interview. Please note that applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to evidence this prior to interview. Finally, the role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Fundraiser in Bedford employer: Hireful
Friends for Life Bedfordshire is an exceptional employer dedicated to tackling loneliness among older people in care homes. Located in Bedford, we offer a flexible and supportive work environment where you can make a tangible difference in the lives of care home residents. With opportunities for personal growth and the chance to lead impactful fundraising initiatives, you'll be part of a passionate team committed to fostering meaningful connections within the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fundraiser in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the charity sector. Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current fundraisers. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for tackling loneliness among older people shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to Friends for Life Bedfordshire directly through our website. Express your interest in fundraising roles and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities or projects where you could lend a hand.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the charity’s work and its impact. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your fundraising skills. This will help you stand out and show that you’re ready to hit the ground running!
We think you need these skills to ace Fundraiser in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience that aligns with the Fundraiser role. We want to see how your skills can help tackle loneliness among older people, so don’t hold back on showcasing your fundraising achievements!
Craft a Compelling Covering Statement:Your covering statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your experience fits the job description and why you’re passionate about making a difference in care homes. We love a personal touch, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since writing high-quality funding applications is key for this role, make sure your application reflects your strong written communication skills. Keep it clear, concise, and engaging – we want to see your ability to create compelling cases for support!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hireful
✨Know Your Cause
Before the interview, dive deep into Friends for Life Bedfordshire's mission and values. Understand how they tackle loneliness among older people in care homes. This will not only show your passion but also help you connect your fundraising strategies to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Success
Prepare specific examples of your past fundraising achievements. Whether it’s a successful grant application or a community event that raised significant funds, be ready to discuss what worked, what didn’t, and how you can apply those lessons to this role.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to build and maintain relationships with funders and community partners. Share stories that highlight your interpersonal skills and how you've successfully engaged stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Be Ready to Get Hands-On
This role is about both strategy and practical execution. Be prepared to discuss how you balance these aspects in your work. Highlight your proactive approach and willingness to roll up your sleeves to ensure fundraising events are engaging and successful.
