Bid Writer

**Bid Writer - Part Time (Hybrid)**

Lindengate is a leading Nature based Health and Wellbeing Charity based in Wendover, Bucks, at the foot of the Chiltern Hills. In just over 7 years, and with the support of over 200 volunteers, Lindengate has transformed from a disused allotment site with 6ft high nettles to a unique secret garden with a Nature Reserve, Ponds, Heritage Orchard, Kitchen Garden and Sensory Garden with sculptures and heritage-based art hidden across the site.

At Lindengate, we believe the natural environment is a healer and teacher and have collated strong evidence regarding the therapeutic benefits for recovery from stress and illness. All activities are nature based including site interaction walks (seasonal), nature-based arts and crafts (willow weaving/using natural materials from the site etc), kitchen gardening, plant care/self-care, volunteering, conservation, propagation, plant identification, mapping and more Our underlying ethos is to protect and enhance the natural environment resulting in projects spanning around many of our endangered flower and tree species. Upcycling and recycling are also factored into our woodworking projects. Add to this the community of volunteers and staff who nurture a supportive, inclusive and safe environment and you have a recipe for success.

**Our vision**:
Better health and wellbeing for all through nature.

**Our mission**:
Through the provision of nature-based activities, we empower everyone to nurture their wellbeing, connect to the healing power of nature and respect the environment.

**Our values**:
Nurture / Collaborate / Pioneer / Empower / Respect

**Role title**: Bid Writer

**Based at**: Lindengate Charity, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, HP22 6BD

**Reporting to**: Senior Sustainability Manager

**Hours**: 24 hours per week (Other hours considered, flexible working)

**Pay**: £33,670 per annum pro rata (£18.50p/h)

**Benefits Package**:

- 25 days leave plus Bank Holidays (pro-rata)
- Occupational sick pay scheme
- Training and development opportunities
- Ethical employer
- NEST Pension scheme
- Free parking
- Free tea & coffee
- Branded uniform (fleece, hoodie & polo shirt) and required PPE

**Wellbeing Package**:

- Flexible hours
- Hybrid working
- Staff Wellbeing Day
- Encourage time in the garden
- Team social events

**MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**OBJECTIVES**:
**KEY TASKS**:

- Ensure the quality and timely manner of all reporting and evaluation of successful trusts and grants, creating compelling reports that give the strongest chance of repeat support.
- Build relationships, multi-year partnerships and income from existing trusts and foundations
- Research, develop and maintain new relationships to secure fundraising opportunities.

**Other responsibilities**
- To be sensitive to, and supportive of, people with mental health challenges with whom we work, in all areas of practice and adhere to our safeguarding policies.
- To actively consider the involvement and importance of volunteers in all areas of our work.
- To observe all health and safety requirements.
- To work within and promote policies in relation to Equal Opportunities and Diversity practices.
- To undertake any additional and appropriate functions as required. Any additional duties will normally be to cover unforeseen circumstances or changes in work, and will usually be compatible with the regular type of work. If an additional task or responsibility becomes a regular or frequent part of the job, it will be included in the job description in consultation with the post holder.
- To attend mandatory and identified training courses.
- To be part of the Lindengate team and participate in external events and fundraising as may be reasonably required.

**Essential Skills & Experience**:
Applicants Will Need
- Experience of developing income from trusts, foundations and grant-giving bodies.
- Experience of developing and implementing a trust fundraising programme, including acquisition, retention and development and management of a trusts and grants pipeline.
- Ability to write compelling and innovative proposals and funding reports.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for a wide range of audiences.
- Demonstrable ability to develop relationships with grant-making organisations.

**PERSON SPECIFICATION**
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in Grants and Trusts and Foundations Fundraising.
- Experience of developing income from trusts, foundations and grant-giving bodies.
- Experience of developing and implementing a trust fundraising programme, including acquisition, retention and development and management of a trusts and grants pipeline.
- Ability to write compelling and innovative proposals and funding reports.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for a wide range of audiences.
- Demonstrable ability to develop relationships with grant-making organisations.
- Experience using a fundraising CRM system and inputting