Grants Officer

We are looking for an experienced grants fundraiser to join us and make a significant impact on our work with young people in central Doncaster. 

We are currently finalising our next Forward Plan, with an ambition to create an inclusive, vibrant community, committed to everyone having a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become.  We currently work with children and young people aged 5 to 30. 

Our priority programmes include support coaching for young people, community activity sessions, sustaining our accommodation provision for vulnerable young adults and establishing how we can best support more young people on the homelessness pathway.  We have some great spaces that are in need of development, and we expect that both capital and revenue funding will be included in your workload. We also look for smaller grants during the course of the year, including for food for our residents and supplies for our art groups, and we hope to recruit volunteers to assist with the smaller and less complex bids. 

You would – for now – be our only Grants Officer, so should be familiar with the whole cycle of applications and monitoring and able to work independently.  This is a fabulous opportunity to make your mark on young lives in Doncaster and take our fundraising to the next level. 

Main Responsibilities

• To work delegated idea notes into fundable project profiles, each with a clear and compelling case for support.
• To create a clear and compelling case for support for unrestricted grants income.
• To agree full cost recovery arrangements with the Chief Executive.
• To be responsible for an assigned portfolio of trusts, foundations and similar, developing knowledge of, and relationships with, those funders.
• To make strong applications to funders within the assigned portfolio, matching YMCA Doncaster’s agreed cases for support with funders’ interests and requirements.
• To make strong applications to public sector and similar bodies offering contracts for work within YMCA Doncaster’s scope.
• To work to regularly reviewed and achievable targets.
• To prepare and give presentations, maintain ongoing contact and host trustee or representative visits where required as part of an application process.
• To devise efficient evaluation and monitoring systems which meet funder requirements.
• To oversee the accurate completion of returns and reports, ensuring that funders are satisfied and funding continues.
• To keep comprehensive records, in an agreed format, from initial contact with a potential funder through to either the rejection correspondence or the funding agreement and subsequent monitoring and evaluation.
• To supervise / oversee grants volunteers and less experienced staff applying for smaller grants.
• To comply with fundraising and other legislation relevant to the role.
• To recommend updates to the Fundraising Policy in accordance with changes to legislation or operating practice.
• To report to the Chief Executive monthly in the required format.
• To approach the role with professionalism, and to maintain appropriate boundaries with staff, clients and others.
• Additional or other duties as necessary within your capabilities and status to meet the needs of YMCA Doncaster.

Person Specification 

• A recent track record of success in securing funding through written bids (five figures plus) in an employed role focused on grants or similar fundraising.
• Experience covering the full cycle of grants fundraising including creating cases for support, submitting applications, responding to requests for information or visits, monitoring and evaluation.
• An understanding of the current UK grants / trusts climate and the types of funders likely to support YMCA Doncaster’s work.
• Self-motivated and self-supporting, with the ability to work independently and deal with unexpected or challenging situations including short-notice opportunities.
• Able to supervise and support volunteers and others to complete strong applications efficiently.
• Ability to create and work with project budgets and projections.
• Computer literate, able to use Microsoft Word and Excel to a high standard, and able to use technology in devising and using procedures, gathering information and completing online and electronic applications.
• Exceptionally strong written communication skills, a strong command of grammar and meticulous attention to detail.
• Able to articulate YMCA Doncaster’s work effectively, and to create compelling written applications for support.
• Experience of maintaining confidentiality and appropriate relationships, and a clear understanding of the importance of those.
• Able to represent the Association positively, professionally and with credibility.