Support our work to make a positive impact for people living with stomas, by helping us secure funds from charitable trusts - Researching and identifying prospects, and preparing compelling applications towards our project work and core costs.
Our small team has tremendous reach, and awareness of our work to support people living with stomas across the UK is growing immensely, thanks to publicity around our high-profile partnerships such as M&S and Coronation Street, and ostomates in the public eye, such as Tracey Emin, Adele Roberts and Louise Thompson speaking out about their stomas. Demand for the information and support we provide is therefore also growing at pace, at the same time as our earned income from advertisers and corporate sponsors is declining, due to economic factors.
In order to continue to meet the needs of ostomates, we are now seeking to make a step change in our fundraising, and approach charitable trusts and foundations for support of our important work – we have a very small portfolio of existing funders, and are looking to identify our next potential donors. This volunteer role will support our Fundraising Manager in researching prospects, and working on application content to present our project work and/or core costs as relevant.
The activity has the support of the entire organisation, including the board of Trustees, and work is currently underway to determine our strategic focus over the coming 3-5 years, which will be of great help in preparing a compelling case for support. We have also been building our capacity to collect comprehensive impact data in order to effectively demonstrate the value of our work, and a wide-scale beneficiary survey we conducted earlier this year has given us vital information to ensure we are meeting identified needs, filling any gaps in service provision, and avoiding duplication of existing support.
We are looking for someone with experience of the trust funding process and an understanding of the current fundraising climate. Excellent written communication skills, and impeccable attention to detail, and the ability to interpret and prepare budgetary information to accompany applications.
We exist to make a positive difference for anyone impacted by any kind of stoma or stoma surgery. Founded in 1967, we maintain our original mission to this day: to support people with stomas and those who care about them. Lived experience is at the heart of all we do, and we are supported by a team of almost 100 helpline volunteers who all have or have had a stoma and so can speak from a place of personal understanding.
There are now over 200,000 people living with a stoma in the UK who benefit from the work that we do – we provide practical and emotional support and advice whenever it’s needed; run projects that empower and build confidence to take on fresh challenges; and act as a voice on the issues that matter, campaigning and advocating for ostomates’ rights.
We want to live in a world where having a stoma presents no obstacles or barriers and carries no stigma. A world where people can: Get the right information and advice, at the right time, at the right stage of their stoma journey; have access to the facilities and resources they need when and where they need them; and live their lives to the fullest without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
We receive no statutory funding so must generate all of our income ourselves. With your support, we could make tremendous strides in meeting the identified needs of ostomates to help them live their best life. That may be something as simple as feeling able to go out to the shops, or as challenging as returning to rock climbing, or running a marathon. You will have a direct impact on thousands of lives, making them better.
Please apply through Reach in the first instance. We would then wish to receive a letter explaining why this role appeals to you, and outlining your relevant experience, prior to following up with an informal conversation online or in person.