Funding and Bid Writing Volunteer

Seeking a volunteer with experience in grants or fundraising to help the Burton Costume Project secure funding for storage, outreach, volunteer support and growth. Flexible role, big impact on a small but developing community initiative.

What difference will you make?

This role will have a direct and long-lasting impact on the organisation's ability to grow, reach more people and create sustainable change. Securing funding will allow the organisation to expand its resources, develop new volunteer roles and improve its stock, storage and outreach. With external funding, the organisation can invest in essential items such as costumes, equipment, storage solutions, marketing, community workshops and volunteer support.

By having someone dedicated to researching and preparing funding bids, the organisation can access opportunities it would otherwise miss due to limited time and capacity. Grants will enable the founder and existing volunteers to focus on delivery, partnerships and community engagement, rather than being stretched between fundraising and day-to-day activities.

The work of the Funding and Bid Writing Volunteer will directly support several key causes, including

• Removing barriers to participation – Funding will help keep costume hire affordable or free for those on low incomes, community groups and schools. It supports access to creative opportunities that build confidence and inclusion.
• Volunteer development – Funding enables the organisation to recruit, train and support volunteers, creating pathways for skills, wellbeing and employability.
• Sustainability and reuse – Grants can support the refurbishment of donated items, responsible storage solutions and upcycling materials, preventing waste and promoting circular economy values.
• Community creativity and education – Funding will help deliver workshops, collaborative projects and partnerships with schools, colleges and community groups.
• Growth and stability – Successful bids reduce financial pressure, create breathing room for planning and help build a foundation for long-term sustainability.

A consistent flow of funding applications increases the chances of securing grants that can cover core costs as well as new initiatives. This will allow the organisation to respond to demand, develop partnerships and continue supporting people who benefit from access to costumes, creativity and volunteering.

Ultimately, the volunteer's contribution will strengthen the organisation's impact, increase its reach and help it achieve its social goals more effectively and sustainably.

What are we looking for?

The ideal volunteer for this role will have a combination of relevant skills, practical experience and personal qualities that support independent, effective bid writing. Because this role involves researching and drafting funding applications with minimal supervision, certain attributes are especially important, while others are desirable but flexible depending on the person.

The most essential requirement is the ability to write clearly, persuasively and in a way that can be tailored to different funders. Strong written communication skills are crucial, as the volunteer will be preparing draft bids that reflect the organisation's aims, values and community impact. They should be confident structuring arguments, interpreting eligibility criteria and presenting information professionally.

Experience of fundraising, grant writing or bid preparation is highly desirable. This could come from working or volunteering in the charity, cultural, community, social enterprise or education sector.

Research skills are another core requirement. The volunteer should be comfortable identifying appropriate funding opportunities, reviewing criteria and matching opportunities to the organisation's needs. This includes the ability to search independently, track deadlines and maintain a simple record of progress.

Reliability and self-management are critical for the role to succeed. The volunteer needs to be comfortable working independently, managing their own time and completing tasks without constant prompting. Because the organisation is small and busy, someone who can take initiative and keep things moving will make the biggest difference.

Attention to detail is particularly important when submitting bids, as funding bodies often have specific requirements around wording, word counts, attachments or formats. A careful approach helps ensure applications are accurate, eligible and strong.

Good communication and a collaborative attitude are also needed. The volunteer will send drafts for review and occasionally request additional information or clarification. They should be comfortable communicating by email or shared documents and able to receive guidance positively.

An understanding or appreciation of community arts, volunteering, inclusion or sustainability would make the volunteer's work more meaningful and connected to the organisation's ethos. They do not need to have direct sector experience, but an interest in social impact, creativity or community development will help them produce stronger applications.

Experience with budgeting, impact reporting or monitoring outcomes can be useful but is not essential. Likewise, familiarity with community grants, arts funding, heritage projects or education initiatives is helpful but not required – the organisation can provide context and guidance.

The role is remote and flexible, so the volunteer should feel comfortable working online and organising documents clearly.

Summary of Priorities

Most important

Strong written communication

Research and organisational ability

Reliability and independence

Attention to detail

Previous bid writing, fundraising or proposal experience (or strong transferable skills)

Knowledge of the charity, arts or community sector

Basic understanding of budgets or impact narratives

Familiarity with funding processes

Above all, the organisation is looking for someone motivated, accurate and proactive, who wants to use their skills to help a community-rooted creative project grow and thrive.

What will you be doing?

The Funding and Bid Writing Volunteer will play a vital role in helping the organisation secure grants to expand its work and increase community impact. The volunteer will independently research suitable funding and grant opportunities that align with the organisation's aims, values and activities. This includes identifying opportunities that support areas such as community arts, volunteering, education, inclusion, sustainability, wellbeing, upcycling and skills development.

The volunteer will be responsible for drafting compelling funding applications, using the organisation's existing information and tone of voice as a foundation. They will prepare funding bids clearly and persuasively, ensuring eligibility criteria are met and all required documents or attachments are included. For each application, the volunteer will send a draft for approval or review before submission.

They will work with the founder remotely as needed to access background information, data, statements or relevant details about current activities, costs or plans. Where appropriate, the volunteer may suggest additional materials such as quotes, budgets or impact summaries to support stronger applications.

Key responsibilities and tasks include

Researching and tracking relevant funding calls, grants and awards.

Creating and maintaining a simple log of deadlines and application requirements.

Preparing written applications in draft form for review prior to submission.

Tailoring bids to each funder's criteria and priorities.

Highlighting the organisation's community benefit, reach and sustainability.

Requesting or confirming any necessary supporting information.

Submitting final applications once approved, where appropriate.

Flagging new opportunities or follow-up requirements in good time.

The role is ideal for someone with experience in fundraising, bid writing, community arts, charities or social enterprises, or someone who is confident with written applications and research. Good organisational skills and attention to detail are important, alongside the ability to work independently.

This role can be carried out remotely and flexibly to suit the volunteer's schedule. Communication can take place by email, video calls or shared documents. The volunteer can manage their own time but should liaise when drafts are ready or additional information is needed.

Deliverables will include a consistent pipeline of funding proposals, well-prepared drafts in clear language, and timely submission of bids. The volunteer's work will directly support the organisation's development, helping it grow its services, secure resources and access new opportunities for collaboration, outreach and sustainability.