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- Tasks: Manage grant funding and build relationships with funders to support SolarAid's mission.
- Company: Join SolarAid, a charity dedicated to providing solar power to every home in Africa by 2030.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, remote work options, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in international development while growing your skills in a friendly environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in grant fundraising and excellent communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Remote role with occasional travel to London; application deadline is 28th July.
The predicted salary is between 31416 - 34839 £ per year.
Job Title: Grants Fundraising Officer
Charity: SolarAid
Salary Range: £31,416 – £34,839
Location:Remote based with expected travel to London ~6 times per year
Deadline for applications: 28 July
About SolarAid
SolarAid is an international charity on a mission to light up every home, school and clinic in Africa by 2030 using clean, safe solar power.
There are still 600 million people living without energy access in sub-Saharan Africa. When the sun goes down, families are forced to rely on dangerous, polluting and expensive forms of lighting in their homes such as kerosene lamps, candles and straw fires.
Since 2006, we’ve reached over 12 million people in sub-Saharan Africa with affordable solar lights. But we know that’s not enough – because many families in these communities are still unable to afford even the most basic solar product.
That’s why we’re changing how we work. In Malawi and Zambia, we’re testing bold new approaches to make sure every household in a community – not just some – has access to clean energy. At the same time, we’re teaming up with others to fix the bigger, system-wide challenges that keep people in the dark.
It’s an exciting time to join SolarAid. The sector is looking to us as thought leaders in last-mile energy access – and we need passionate fundraisers to help us bring this story to life. In this role, you’ll help connect grant funders to our most innovative programmes and show them how
their support can help bring energy access, and lasting change, to communities across Africa.
About the role
SolarAid is now looking for an experienced grant fundraiser to sustain and strengthen our ability to attract funding for our programme of work.
Our income from grants is rapidly growing as trusts, foundations and institutional funders become increasingly interested and engaged in our portfolio of strategic programmes, which provide sustained and affordable access to energy in remote communities that otherwise have no access to electricity.
Our grant income more than doubled in 2024, and for the coming year we are seeking to continue growth by receiving £2.5 million in grants from a range of funders.
This role will oversee a portfolio of grant funders that give up to £100k/year, maintaining existing relationships by providing timely reports and developing relevant proposals for future support. You would be expected to seek and research new funding prospects to approach, as well as respond to new enquiries. This group of funders is currently expected to provide around £500,000 per year.
In addition, you would be expected to support our bids to larger more complex funders, led by the Programme Funding Manager, collaborating closely with colleagues across Finance and relevant programme teams to put forward successful proposals.
Finally you will be managing the process and systems to maintain donations from small grant funders.
Role Responsibilities
Programme-specific fundraising and bid writing – 50%
- Oversee our funding from Trusts and Foundations that currently provide approximately £500,000 a year.
- Working, with the Programme Funding Manager, determine the engagement strategy for each funder to increase likelihood of success.
- Accurately forecast income based on an assessment of the likelihood of funding for each opportunity.
- Update the pipeline for funding opportunities you are responsible for and ensure staff allocated to opportunities do so.
- Produce proposals in line with programme plans and budgets, working with programme teams in Malawi and Zambia to ensure alignment.
- Develop proposals that can be used to attract mission-funding from small grant funders.
- Produce and submit timely reports to funders that cultivate positive relationships.
- Engage with relevant staff from programme and finance teams to obtain information required for grant reporting.
- Support the Programme Funding Manager in reporting on grants from institutions, multi and bi-lateral funders.
Prospect Research 10%
- Research prospective funders from relevant sources to increase the pipeline of prospects.
- A proven track record of successfully applying to funders, trusts, foundations, and institutions for grants.
- Writing proposals to funders.
- Working with other functions essential to successful grant management.
- Knowledge of fundraising laws and regulations in relation to data protection and compliance.
- Understanding of international development and climate change issues.
- Coordinating complex bid applications to funders.
- Knowledge and work experience with bilateral and multilateral funders.
- Knowledge and work experience with off-grid energy access.
- Using a CRM database to log approaches to funders.
- Able to work overseas for short periods of time, if required.
- Experience of working with Canva.
For a copy of the full job pack, including the full person specifications, terms of employment and details on how to apply please contact us via the form on this page.
Request information orapply for this job:
Please fill in your details below with your question about this role. To make a full applications please add your CV and cover letter:
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Grants Fundraising Officer employer: Polly Symondson Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Polly Symondson Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Grants Fundraising Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with SolarAid's mission and values. Understanding their focus on clean energy access in Africa will help you align your passion for fundraising with their goals, making you a more compelling candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the charity sector, especially those involved in grant fundraising. Attend relevant webinars or local events to build connections that could provide insights or referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Research current trends in grant funding, particularly related to international development and climate change. Being knowledgeable about these topics will demonstrate your commitment and expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in securing grants. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've built relationships with funders and the strategies you've used to increase funding opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Grants Fundraising Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Grants Fundraising Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with SolarAid's mission and the specific duties outlined.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for international development and climate change issues. Use engaging language to demonstrate your understanding of the role and how your background in grant fundraising makes you an ideal candidate.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your proven track record of successfully applying for grants from trusts and foundations. Include specific examples of past successes and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role at SolarAid.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for clarity and conciseness. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, as these can detract from your professionalism and attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polly Symondson Recruitment Ltd
✨Research SolarAid Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure to dive deep into SolarAid's mission and values. Understand their work in providing solar power to communities in Africa and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Experience
Prepare specific examples of your previous grant fundraising successes. Be ready to discuss how you have maintained relationships with funders and the strategies you used to secure funding.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Awareness
Since the role involves collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, be prepared to share experiences that highlight your ability to work effectively in multicultural environments.
✨Engage with Clear Communication
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since the role requires writing complex funding proposals, demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively during the interview, both verbally and through any written tasks.