Fundraising Apprentice

Exciting new opportunity to join Age UK Wigan Borough as a Fundraising Apprentice and help drive their mission forward. You'll gain hands-on experience in donor care, relationship building, bid writing, campaigns and data insight, all while contributing to vital income generation through structured learning.

Main Responsibilities

• To support the implementation of fundraising plans across a range of income streams.
• To help build, develop and maintain relationships with supporters and partners.
• To contribute to achieving agreed fundraising income targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• To ensure accurate record keeping and compliance with data protection and fundraising regulations.
• To represent Age UK Wigan Borough professionally at events and meetings.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Relationship Building & Stewardship

• Assist in identifying, building and maintaining relationships with donors, community groups and partners to raise financial and non-financial support.
• Support the ongoing stewardship of supporters through thank you communications, updates and engagement activities.
• Provide a high-quality first point of contact for donor enquiries and resolve or escalate issues appropriately.

Fundraising Activity & Campaigns

• Support the planning and delivery of fundraising campaigns and events.
• Assist in preparing funding applications to trusts, foundations and statutory bodies.
• Contribute to the development of a compelling "Case for Support" using a variety of communication mediums including written content, digital media and presentations.
• Help identify new fundraising opportunities within the local community and corporate sector.

Research & Data Analysis

• Undertake research into prospective funders and supporters to understand motivations and alignment with our charitable aims.
• Support market research and analysis of fundraising performance to inform future activity.
• Assist in monitoring, evaluating and reporting on fundraising activities using agreed metrics and KPIs.

Administration & Compliance

• Maintain accurate records of donors, income and communications using the organisation's CRM system (Charitylog or equivalent).
• Ensure fundraising data is recorded in line with GDPR and fundraising compliance requirements.
• Assist with financial tracking of fundraising income and expenditure where appropriate.

Communication

• Produce high quality written and verbal communications to engage internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to newsletters, website updates, social media content and impact reports.
• Support the preparation of presentations and reports for senior leadership and the Board.

General

• Demonstrate the Age UK Wigan Borough PRIDE values in all areas of work.
• Attend all required training sessions, apprenticeship workshops and staff meetings.
• Participate in promotional and community events as required.
• Work within all policies and procedures of Age UK Wigan Borough.
• Undertake any other duties consistent with the level and responsibilities of the post.

Entry requirements

• Minimum of Grade 4/C in GCSE Maths and English.
• Interest in fundraising, marketing or the voluntary sector.
• Understanding of the importance of relationship building and communication.
• Experience of working with older people.
• Basic understanding of confidentiality and data protection.

Skills

• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to organise workload and meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail and ability to accurately record information.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.

Personal Attributes

• Professional, confident and personable manner.
• Enthusiastic and proactive approach.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to supporting older people and the aims of Age UK Wigan Borough.

Training to be provided

This programme delivered by The Juice Academy offers an in-depth exploration of the charity sector and today's fundraising environment. It empowers learners to build persuasive, tailored cases for support rooted in a deep understanding of donor motivations. The programme emphasises the creation of impactful, data-informed proposals, the development of strategic fundraising plans, insightful data analysis, and responsible budget management.

Key learning outcomes:

• Develop persuasive narratives tailored to different audiences and fundraising objectives.
• Identify what drives donors to give and build strong, lasting relationships.
• Develop strategic plans with clear objectives and resource allocation.
• Use data from various sources to inform campaigns and optimise results.
• Create and monitor budgets, ensuring efficient use of funds.
• Align fundraising efforts with overall organisational goals.
• Evaluate performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and recommend improvements.
• Gain knowledge of Gift Aid, tax relief, and other financial aspects relevant to fundraising.

Expert training delivered by Clare Sweeney:

Clare Sweeney, Founding Director of Keepace Fundraising Consultancy, helps charities and businesses build partnerships and boost income. She has advised leading UK charities, delivered award winning strategies, and spoken at major conferences like the International Fundraising Convention. Who better to learn from when it comes to Fundraising?

Things to consider

Having just gone through an organisational restructure, join Age UK Wigan at a very exciting time where you can bring in fresh new ideas and really make an impact.

Future prospects

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you will receive a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification in Fundraising.

Hours per week: 37.5

Working week: Monday-Friday

Apprenticeship standard: Fundraiser (Level 3)

Wigan, Greater Manchester, England, WN1 1HP