Bid Writer / Fundraiser

What will you be doing?

We are looking for a skilled volunteer with at least three years’ experience in bid writing, grant fundraising, charity fundraising, project development or funding research.

We need support to help Chiltern ADHD Clinic CIC identify suitable funding opportunities and prepare strong, clear grant applications.

Tasks may include:

• Researching suitable grants and funding opportunities
• Reading funder guidance, priorities and eligibility criteria
• Helping assess whether a fund is a good fit for our CIC
• Drafting or editing grant application answers
• Helping us describe our projects, outcomes and impact clearly
• Supporting us to explain the need for neurodivergent-friendly community support
• Gathering relevant information about local need, barriers to support and expected outcomes
• Helping shape project descriptions and budgets for funding applications
• Keeping track of deadlines, funder requirements and application progress

This role is focused on grant applications and funding research. Volunteers would not be expected to make financial decisions, manage donations, approach major donors or handle confidential client information.

All applications and documents would be reviewed by the CIC before submission.

The role can be flexible, remote or hybrid. Volunteers are also welcome to join our body doubling sessions and work alongside us where appropriate.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with at least three years’ experience in bid writing, grant fundraising, funding research, charity fundraising, project development, impact reporting or professional writing.

They should be able to research information carefully, understand funder guidance and help turn project ideas into clear, persuasive written applications.

Helpful experience would include:

• Writing or contributing to grant applications
• Researching trusts, foundations or grant programmes
• Working in or with charities, CICs or social enterprises
• Writing reports, proposals or funding-related documents
• Understanding project outcomes, impact or community need
• Communicating clearly about health, mental health, disability, inclusion or social impact

The most important qualities are:

• Strong written communication
• Reliable with deadlines
• Able to follow funder guidance carefully
• Clear, plain-English writing style
• Good attention to detail
• Curious and comfortable researching information
• Willing to receive feedback and make edits
• Respectful, non-judgemental and professional
• Able to understand confidentiality and boundaries

Lived experience of ADHD, autism or neurodivergence is very welcome, but not essential.

What difference will you make?

Chiltern ADHD Clinic CIC has been created to provide free and low-cost support for neurodivergent people, families, students and the wider local community.

Funding is essential for us to run workshops, body doubling sessions, community groups and accessible support. Skilled bid writing support would help us identify the right funders, present our projects clearly and submit stronger applications.

This role would increase our capacity at an important early stage. As a new CIC, we have strong ideas and clear community need, but limited time to research funds and prepare applications alongside service delivery.

The volunteer’s support could directly help us secure funding for projects that reduce isolation, improve access to support and create neurodivergent-friendly spaces locally.

This would make a real difference by helping the CIC become more sustainable and reach more people who need practical, affordable support.

Before you apply

Please send a short message about why you are interested in the role, any relevant experience, and links to examples of writing, fundraising, research, university, college or portfolio work if you have them.

Suitable applicants will be invited for an informal online chat. This is not a formal interview; it is a chance to talk through the role, availability, support needs and whether it feels like a good fit.

We aim to respond to applicants as soon as possible. Safeguarding checks may be needed depending on age, role and level of involvement.