At a Glance
- Tasks: Secure funding for our charity and support exciting projects in a vibrant community garden.
- Company: Join Walworth Garden, a passionate charity dedicated to learning and gardening therapy.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days of leave, plant-based lunches, and a beautiful workspace surrounded by nature.
- Other info: Be part of a growing team committed to anti-racism and supporting under-represented groups.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working flexibly in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Minimum five years of fundraising experience and a proactive, self-starting attitude.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 36000 € per year.
Salary: £33,000-£36,000 per annum (pro‑rata)
Hours: 3–5 days a week (full or part‑time, dependent on agreement). This is a flexible position, but requires that the postholder work mostly on site for the first few months to understand the operations and programmes of the charity. After this, they will be required to work from the site at least one day a week. This is a 1‑year fixed term contract with a view to becoming a permanent role.
Reports to: CEO
Role and Requirements: This is a standalone position that requires a minimum of five years of experience in fundraising. You will be a proactive self‑starter who is confident in making decisions, identifying priorities, and driving tasks forward with a high level of autonomy.
About Walworth Garden: Walworth Garden is a charity dedicated to knowledge and nurture. We aim to improve lives by providing excellent learning and gardening therapy in a community garden that’s open to all, 7 days a week. Walworth Garden is a registered charity and Company limited by guarantee. The Charity is governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees. Our main charitable work includes horticultural training for people not in work or education and gardening therapy for vulnerable and disabled adults. We also provide goods and services that individuals or other organisations pay for in order to generate surplus income to support our charitable work. Walworth Garden works with some of the most vulnerable in society and safeguarding is of paramount importance. All staff will undergo a DBS check. We offer a supportive culture that values autonomy, trust, and results. Therefore this role offers the option to work from home on occasion, depending on business needs and team coordination.
Benefits and culture: You’ll be joining a growing, passionate team, and enjoy a range of perks including:
- 28 days of annual leave per year, plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- An active employee support programme
- Employee discounts and access to our short courses
- Daily plant‑based lunches made for and by staff and volunteers
- The most beautiful ‘office’ in South London, with the company of an array of wildlife.
We particularly welcome applications from those identifying with groups currently under‑represented within horticulture. Walworth Garden is an actively anti‑racist and anti‑oppressive organisation.
Purpose of the Role: The Fundraiser will secure income across all areas of the charity, with proven success in project, capital, core, corporate, legacy and high‑net‑worth funding. Working closely with the CEO, they will identify opportunities, lead funding applications from development to success, and manage monitoring and reporting. Joining at an exciting time, they will support Phase 1 of our Improvement Plan (relaunching Walworth Garden as an Environmental Learning Centre) and begin raising funds for Phase 2 and ongoing operations.
Main tasks and responsibilities:
- Identify grant funding opportunities that are a good fit for the charity, with support from the CEO.
- Explore relationships with corporate groups to increase support in this area.
- Expand Walworth Garden’s efforts in generating support from legacies and high‑net‑worth individuals.
- Complete all aspects of funding application forms with information gathered from other staff where appropriate (notably the Finance Manager).
- Adhere to all grant reporting requirements, including data analysis and case studies.
- Work with the CEO and other management staff to identify areas of operation that would benefit from funding.
- Keep records of funding applications and log data for later analysis.
Further Responsibilities Include:
- Organise the needs of funders (e.g., impact assessments, policies) to improve eligibility for larger funding applications.
- Create an efficient banking system for applications to reduce time‑to‑complete.
- Attend interviews and site visits with funders and Grant Managers, communicating the charity’s work effectively.
- Occasionally contribute to charity communications (e.g., newsletter writing).
- Attend relevant events and sessions with funders as appropriate.
- Support in producing the yearly workshop calendar and its webpages where needed.
- Operate according to the Garden’s standards, policies and departmental procedures.
To Apply: Please see the full Job Description for details about the role, including the person specification. To apply, email a cover letter (maximum 2 sides of A4) and your CV (maximum 2 sides of A4) explaining why you are the best fit to our CEO at oli@walworthgarden.org.uk. If you would like a confidential chat about the role, email Oli at oli@walworthgarden.org.uk to arrange a call. Interviews will take place in the week commencing 1 June, with the successful candidate expected to start in early July. This posting will be closed once a suitable candidate has been identified.
Fundraiser at Walworth Garden employer: Social Farms & Gardens | Ffermydd a Gerddi Cymdeithasol
Walworth Garden is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, prioritising employee autonomy and growth. With benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, daily plant-based lunches, and a beautiful working environment in South London, team members are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. The role of Fundraiser offers the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the community while working alongside a passionate team dedicated to improving lives through horticultural training and therapy.
Contact Detail:
Social Farms & Gardens | Ffermydd a Gerddi Cymdeithasol Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fundraiser at Walworth Garden
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Walworth Garden inside out! Spend some time visiting the site and chatting with staff and volunteers. This will not only help you understand their mission but also give you a chance to show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn, or attend local events related to fundraising and horticulture. Building connections can give you insider tips and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common fundraising questions. Think about your past successes and how they relate to the role at Walworth Garden. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Fundraiser at Walworth Garden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the role of Fundraiser at Walworth Garden. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with their mission. We want to see your passion for fundraising and community work shine through!
Showcase Your Experience:Since they’re looking for someone with at least five years of fundraising experience, don’t hold back! Share specific examples of successful projects you've led or contributed to. We love seeing numbers and outcomes that demonstrate your impact.
Keep It Concise:Remember, both your cover letter and CV should be a maximum of two sides of A4. Be clear and to the point, focusing on the most relevant information. We appreciate brevity and clarity, so make every word count!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Oli for a chat before you submit. We’re here to help you through the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Social Farms & Gardens | Ffermydd a Gerddi Cymdeithasol
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Walworth Garden's mission and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their fundraising strategies and how they align with your experience. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past fundraising roles that highlight your successes. Whether it's securing grants or building relationships with corporate sponsors, be ready to discuss how your skills can directly benefit Walworth Garden.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about their current funding initiatives or future plans. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Autonomy
Since this role requires both collaboration and independence, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully worked in teams while also taking initiative on your own. Highlighting this balance will resonate well with their supportive culture.
