Volunteer Fundraising & Grants Manager - Volunteer in Portsmouth

We are seeking a Volunteer Fundraising & Grants Manager to identify funding opportunities, write grant applications, and support fundraising initiatives. Help the Nautical Training Corps secure vital funding to expand opportunities for young people across the UK.

The Nautical Training Corps has spent a number of years refreshing and re-establishing its foundations. As a result, the organisation is now in a strong position and is increasingly focused on enhancing the quality of its core offer to young people. We are now seeking a Volunteer Fundraising & Grants Manager to help us secure the resources needed to invest in activities, training opportunities, equipment, facilities, and new initiatives for our beneficiaries. This role will be integral to helping us turn our ambitions into reality and ensuring that we can continue to grow sustainably.

Our volunteers across the country achieve incredible outcomes with limited budgets and resources. Their commitment and dedication enable young people to develop confidence, leadership skills, teamwork, resilience, and a sense of community. However, we recognise that there is significant potential to further enhance the opportunities available to our young people through targeted investment and a more strategic approach to fundraising.

The successful volunteer will help us build a sustainable funding pipeline, enabling the organisation to move beyond meeting immediate needs and towards long-term development. This will support our aim of providing high-quality experiences and opportunities while ensuring access remains equitable for young people from a diverse range of backgrounds and communities. Ultimately, the impact of this role will be felt throughout the organisation, helping us strengthen our programmes, support our volunteers, and create even more opportunities for young people across the UK.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who is passionate about helping young people and supporting the long-term development of the Nautical Training Corps. The ideal volunteer will have experience in fundraising, grant writing, bid development, donor engagement, or a related field. They will be a strong communicator with excellent written skills and the ability to build positive relationships with a range of stakeholders. We would particularly welcome someone who can think strategically, identify funding opportunities, and take the initiative to develop a sustainable fundraising programme. The ability to work independently, manage priorities, and collaborate effectively with volunteers across the organisation is essential. Knowledge of the charity, youth, or voluntary sector would be beneficial, although not essential. Experience of preparing successful grant applications, managing fundraising campaigns, or working with funding bodies would be advantageous. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about making a difference and excited by the opportunity to help shape and develop our fundraising approach from the ground up.

What will you be doing?

The successful volunteer will work with teams across the Nautical Training Corps to secure funding that supports our programmes, activities, and long-term development. Responsibilities will include identifying funding opportunities, preparing grant applications, developing fundraising initiatives, and ensuring compliance with grant and donor requirements. Regular reporting on fundraising activity and outcomes will also be required.

Key Skills And Experience

• Fundraising, grant writing, or donor relationship management experience.
• Strong written communication, organisational, and project management skills.
• Ability to identify and pursue funding opportunities.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently in a remote environment.
• Knowledge of the charity or non-profit sector is desirable.
• Experience of budget management, fundraising platforms, or project management tools would be advantageous.
• An interest in youth development, maritime activities, or voluntary organisations is beneficial.

We believe in being transparent with applicants. You will be joining at an exciting stage, with the opportunity to build and shape our fundraising approach from the ground up. Historically, funding applications have been made on an ad hoc basis in response to immediate needs rather than through a strategic programme. We are looking for someone who can help develop a sustainable, long-term fundraising framework that maximises the impact of funding opportunities. You will receive support from volunteers across the organisation, including national departments and local units. As the fundraising function grows, there may also be opportunities to help shape and lead a wider volunteer fundraising team.