At a Glance
- Tasks: Research funding opportunities and write compelling applications to support impactful projects.
- Company: Join Ability Consultants, a team dedicated to helping charities and community groups thrive.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across the UK and internationally.
- Why this job: Use your writing skills to help non-profits secure funding and change lives.
- Qualifications: Strong writing ability and attention to detail; experience in funding applications preferred.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 24900 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Role Type: Employment
Hours: Full time
Application deadline: Monday, November 16, 2026 - 23:59
Based: Sunderland
Salary: £28,000 to 29,000 Per Annum
Salary Type: Salary Scale
Location: Tyne and Wear
Role description: Officer
Do you have a passion for helping charities and purpose-driven organisations secure vital funding? Are you a strong communicator with excellent writing, research, and organisational skills? Can you turn great ideas into compelling funding applications that make a real difference? If so, we'd love to hear from you.
At Ability Consultants, we support charities, CICs, schools, social enterprises, community groups, and private sector organisations across the UK and beyond to secure vital funding and achieve lasting impact. Our clients trust us to provide expert fundraising support, helping them focus on what they do best while we secure the resources they need to grow and succeed.
The Role
- Research and identify funding opportunities from trusts, foundations, statutory bodies, and other grant-makers that align with our clients' needs.
- Write and submit high-quality, persuasive funding applications tailored to funder priorities and requirements.
- Work closely with clients to understand their projects, gather information, and develop compelling cases for support.
- Translate complex information, outcomes, and impact into clear, engaging funding proposals.
- Manage multiple funding applications, ensuring deadlines are met and accurate records are maintained.
- Support clients with funder reporting, monitoring returns, and grant stewardship.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with clients, funders, colleagues, and stakeholders.
- Monitor funding trends, analyse bid success rates, and contribute to wider fundraising strategies.
What We Are Looking For
- Strong writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive, and engaging content.
- Experience of bid writing, fundraising, grant applications, or transferable skills from a relevant field.
- Good research and analytical skills, with the ability to identify opportunities and present information effectively.
- Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to build positive working relationships.
- The ability to work independently, take initiative, and contribute positively to a team.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new systems and processes.
- A proactive, adaptable, and client-focused approach, with an interest in supporting charities and community organisations.
We know that great candidates come from different backgrounds and bring a wide range of skills and experiences. You may not meet every criterion listed, and that's absolutely fine. If you believe you have the skills, potential, and enthusiasm to make a positive contribution to our team, we'd encourage you to apply. We're interested in what you can bring to the role, not just what's on your CV.
Why Join Ability Consultants?
- Salary: £28,000-£29,000 per annum (FTE)
- Hours: 37.5 hours per week
- Permanent contract
- Based at Washington Business Centre, Sunderland
- 28 days annual leave (including public holidays)
- Flexi-time and paid volunteer days
- Occupational Sick Pay
- Access to Bright Exchange employee discounts
- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, including confidential counselling, wellbeing support, and Virtual GP services
- Menopause support and dedicated helpline
- Full induction, training, and development opportunities
- Work with inspiring charities and organisations across the UK and beyond
- Net Promoter Score of 75, reflecting exceptional client satisfaction
What Our Clients Say
"Our partnership is delivering tangible success and an excellent return on investment, giving us greater confidence and capacity in our income generation work."
"Ability Consultants have been an invaluable partner to OUT North East. Their support with funding advice, strategy and grant applications has been instrumental in our success."
Closing date: 16/11/2026 at 23:59*
Interviews:
Interviews will take place on a rolling basis.
Please note that we are recruiting on a rolling basis and may close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed, so we encourage early applications.
Previous applicants need not apply.
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Bid Writer (Trusts and Foundations) in Sunderland employer: VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)
VONNE is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a supportive work culture, opportunities for professional development, and a focus on employee growth, working as a Dementia Care Navigator in Sunderland offers the chance to contribute to vital services while enjoying a fulfilling career. The organisation values innovation and collaboration, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered in their role.
Contact Details:
VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid Writer (Trusts and Foundations) in Sunderland
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East).
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East).
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East).
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East). Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Bid Writer (Trusts and Foundations) in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East). Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Bid Writer (Trusts and Foundations), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East). Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
