Trustee with fundraising experience

We are now seeking a Fundraising Trustee who will actively help us secure new income streams to sustain and grow our work. This is not an advisory-only role we need someone who will roll up their sleeves and take action.

What difference will you make?

Your fundraising skills will directly shape the future of Word Forest. Every pound raised enables us to plant more trees, build more classrooms, and support more families in Kenya to achieve food security, education, and resilience.

By committing just a few hours each month, you will strengthen our income base and help us reduce reliance on a very small core team. We are urgently seeking someone who can turn ideas into action helping to write or reviewing funding applications, identifying opportunities, and connecting us with potential donors or partners.

The difference you make will be tangible. For example, just £2.50 plants a tree in Kenya, and a classroom can be built for around £16,000. Your efforts could lead to whole communities gaining access to shade, nutrition, education, and long-term climate resilience.

As a Trustee, your role will also be strategic shaping the direction of our charity, ensuring our fundraising aligns with our mission, and contributing to sound governance. But it is your hands-on fundraising work that will be most transformative.

We have already planted over 1 million trees in eight years. With your help, we can accelerate that growth and deliver an even greater impact for people and the planet.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a Trustee with a clear track record in fundraising and the drive to turn that expertise into practical action. You should be someone who not only advises but actively helps us secure new income streams to sustain and grow our work in Kenya.

Essential Skills And Experience

• Proven fundraising experience in at least one of the following areas

• Charitable trusts and foundations

• Corporate partnerships and sponsorships
• Community or events fundraising

• Individual giving or digital campaigns

• Ability to commit 2–4 hours per month to practical fundraising activity

• Strong communication and networking skills, with confidence in engaging potential donors, partners, or sponsors
• Experience of taking a fundraising idea through from planning to delivery

Desirable Skills And Experience

• Knowledge of charity governance and the legal duties of Trustees (training can be provided if needed)
• Understanding of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) priorities in business, or corporate social responsibility programmes
• Familiarity with small charity fundraising and the challenges of limited staff capacity
• Financial literacy, particularly in relation to charity budgeting and reporting

Personal Qualities

• Proactive and hands-on someone who will say "I will do this" rather than "You should do this"
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with the ability to work closely with other Trustees and staff
• Creative and resourceful, able to find opportunities and solutions where others might not see them
• Passionate about the mission of Word Forest tackling climate change, supporting education, and building resilience in Kenyan communities
• Integrity and reliability, with a commitment to transparency and ethical fundraising

We know that lived experience can be as valuable as formal qualifications. If you have overcome challenges, worked in grassroots communities, or bring a different perspective on sustainability and social justice, we would love to hear from you.

You don't need to have been a Trustee before. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will provide an induction and ongoing support.

What will you be doing?

Word Forest is an international reforestation charity tackling climate change by planting trees, building schools, and empowering communities in Kenya. Since 2017, we have planted over 1 million trees and supported families to improve food security, education, and resilience.

We are a small, passionate UK-based charity with a strong track record and clear mission. Our Board of Trustees provides strategic direction and oversight, while our operational team delivers programmes on the ground in Kenya.

We are now seeking a Fundraising Trustee who will actively help us secure new income streams to sustain and grow our work. This is not an advisory-only role we need someone who will roll up their sleeves and take action.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to board meetings and decision-making as a full Trustee
• Commit 2–4 hours per month to practical fundraising activity
• Help design, implement, and deliver fundraising initiatives
• Identify and approach potential donors, grant makers, and corporate partners
• Support applications for funding and sponsorship
• Promote Word Forest to your own networks and beyond

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in at least one area of fundraising (charitable trusts, corporate partnerships, events, or digital campaigns)
• Confidence in networking, pitching, or donor engagement
• A collaborative, proactive approach and willingness to "do"
• Understanding of charity governance (desirable but not essential)
• Commitment to our mission, values, and integrity

What We Offer

• A chance to make a tangible impact on climate change and poverty
• Opportunities to expand your fundraising portfolio and board-level experience
• A supportive, friendly, and engaged board
• Remote involvement with flexible time commitment

This is a voluntary position. Meetings are online, however reasonable out-of-pocket expenses can be reimbursed.

If you are a motivated fundraiser who wants to directly increase our impact, we would love to hear from you.