At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead on writing funding proposals to support youth programmes and initiatives.
- Company: Exciting new youth charity dedicated to empowering young people in Grimsby.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, gym access, and generous holiday leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your fundraising skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in writing successful funding applications and managing donor relationships.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 34000 £ per year.
As Grants and Trusts Officer, you’ll play a key role in powering the Youth Zone’s mission to give thousands of young people somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to.
As an equal opportunities’ employer, the organisation welcomes applications from under-represented groups; in particular from Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ+ communities. The dedicated Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Group, with support from the Senior Leadership Team, is actively promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion, ensuring a culture where everyone can be themselves and thrive.
Location: Hybrid working, with 1 day a week at Horizon Youth Zone, Grimsby.
Salary: £30,000 - £34,000 pro rate (actual Salary £18,000 - £19,200)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part-time, 22.5 hours per week.
Benefits: Workplace Pension, Free gym access, Access to Onside’s Talent Academy, bespoke training and mentoring, Access to the employee assistance programme, 33 days holidays (inclusive of bank holidays), Birthday holiday leave.
Closing Date: 09.00 am Monday 23rd February 2026
First Interviews: Thursday 5th March 2026
Young People Panel: Tuesday 10th March 2026
About the Role
This is a dynamic and rewarding role at the heart of the Fundraising Team, where you’ll help generate over £1.4 million each year to keep the Youth Zone running. You’ll lead on writing compelling bids and funding proposals that unlock both unrestricted income and targeted project support – from mental health to employability to sports and creative programmes. You’ll have access to a wealth of impact data, real stories, and a ready-made case for support and you’ll be encouraged to bring your creativity, energy and ambition to every application. You’ll collaborate with an experienced, passionate team and be supported by the Head of Fundraising & Communications, the CEO, and a dedicated Board of Trustees who believe deeply in what we do.
About You
You’ll need to be a strong communicator and natural storyteller, someone who can clearly articulate why Youth Zones matter and inspire funders to get behind the charity. You will have experience of:
- Writing successful funding applications or proposals, ideally in the voluntary or public sector, securing four- and five-figure gifts from trusts, foundations, or statutory sources.
- Managing a fundraising pipeline or prospect list, from initial research through to application and stewardship, using a CRM system such as Salesforce to track progress and outcomes.
- Collaborating across teams, particularly with delivery, finance, or impact colleagues, to gather information and develop compelling bids grounded in real-world delivery.
- Producing high-quality donor reports, meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations through clear narrative, data, and case studies.
- Representing an organisation externally, such as at funder meetings, events, or presentations, with confidence and professionalism.
If you’re a strategic thinker, a persuasive writer and a team player ready to make a real difference, we want to hear from you!
About the Organisation
This is a brand-new locally run youth charity, set to provide thousands of young people with the opportunity to have fun, make new friends, try something new and feel safe. With community centric values and located in the heart of Grimsby, it will be an inspiring place for young people aged 8 – 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, to enjoy their leisure. The building is due to be completed in 2025.
The charity recognises that the workforce is under-represented in certain areas and are committed to addressing this. Therefore, they actively encourage applicants to submit anonymous applications; in practice this means removing your name and email address from your CV and cover letter. The HR Lead will have these details from your submission, but they will not be available to the selection panel when they are considering your application.
The charity is committed to the safeguarding of young people. In accordance with their Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, this position requires a basic DBS check.
Trusts and Grants Manager employer: Horizon Youth Zone
Contact Detail:
Horizon Youth Zone Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trusts and Grants Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sector, attend events, and connect with potential funders. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your storytelling skills! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, share compelling stories about your past successes in fundraising. Make them feel the impact of your work.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to organisations you admire and express your interest in working with them. Sometimes, they might create a role just for you!
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Trusts and Grants Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for helping young people and why this role excites you.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Trusts and Grants Manager position. Highlight your relevant experience in writing funding applications and managing pipelines, as this will show us you’re the right fit for the role.
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills: As a natural storyteller, use your application to demonstrate how you can articulate the importance of Youth Zones. Share examples of how you've inspired funders in the past, as this is key to winning them over!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to showcase your skills in the best light!
How to prepare for a job interview at Horizon Youth Zone
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, dive deep into the Youth Zone's mission and values. Understand how your role as a Trusts and Grants Manager can directly contribute to their goals. Be ready to share specific examples of how your past experiences align with their mission.
✨Craft Compelling Stories
Since storytelling is key in this role, prepare a few impactful stories from your previous work that showcase your success in writing funding applications. Highlight how you’ve inspired funders and secured significant gifts, making sure to include data and outcomes.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
This position requires working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past. Think of examples where you gathered information from different departments to create compelling bids or reports.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
As you'll be representing the organisation externally, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family, focusing on how you would present the Youth Zone’s mission and your role in it.