Grants Officer

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 reasonably 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 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.