Trusts & Foundations Bid Writer

SMART CJS is seeking a skilled and experienced Trusts and Foundations Bid Writer to play a key role in generating income from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory funders. We’re looking for someone with a proven track record of writing successful funding applications and identifying new opportunities that align with SMART’s strategic goals in tackling homelessness and supporting vulnerable individuals in Bedford and the surrounding area.

This is an exciting time to join SMART CJS as we grow and respond to new funding opportunities. The role is primarily home-based, so the successful candidate must be able to work independently and manage their time effectively. Given the nature of our work, personal resilience is also important, as some of the stories and case studies used in funding applications can be emotionally challenging. The role will come with realistic targets.

Main Purpose of the Role

To identify, write, and submit compelling, well-researched and tailored funding applications to trusts, foundations, and relevant grant-giving bodies. The post holder will work closely with the CEO, Head of Business, and operational teams to gather information, write bids, and track progress of submissions, ensuring SMART CJS meets income targets.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fundraising and Bid Writing

• Research and identify suitable grant and funding opportunities from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies.
• Write and submit high-quality funding applications and proposals in line with SMART’s strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively with service leads and frontline teams to gather accurate, up-to-date data and service information for applications.
• Tailor applications to funder requirements and priorities, ensuring persuasive storytelling and alignment with SMART’s mission.
• Manage a pipeline of applications and submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and income targets are tracked.
• Maintain and build relationships with key funders, providing timely reports and updates on grant-funded work.
• Work to realistic targets and KPIS and be able to feedback on these.

2. Organisational Development and Support

• Contribute to the strategic development of SMART’s income generation plans.
• Support development of strong internal bid and grant management systems, including templates, case studies, and project reporting tools.
• Monitor success rates and provide monthly reporting on funding performance to the Head of Business.
• Represent SMART CJS at funding briefings, webinars, and networking opportunities where appropriate.

3. Other Responsibilities

• Participate in SMART’s performance management and appraisal process.
• Comply with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role, as required by the Head of Business or CEO.

Person Specification

Criteria

Essential (E) / Desirable (D)

Minimum 2 years’ experience writing successful funding bids for a charity or not-for-profit organisation    E

Proven track record of securing funding from trusts, foundations, or statutory sources   E

Experience developing compelling cases for support and storytelling   E

Experience working with service delivery teams to gather evidence and data   E

Knowledge of the homelessness, housing, or social care sector   D

Experience using grant portals or CRM/fundraising databases   D

Project management experience or qualification   D

Excellent written and verbal communication skills   E

Strong time management and the ability to meet multiple deadlines   E

Highly organised and detail-oriented   E

Ability to work independently, using initiative in a home-based role   E

Personal resilience and emotional maturity to work with sensitive and sometimes distressing subject matter   E

Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion   E

About you 

You are a confident and experienced bid writer with a proven track record of securing funding from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory sources. Your writing is compelling, clear, and rooted in evidence—able to turn service data and case studies into powerful narratives that align with funder priorities.

Organised and self-motivated, you thrive in a home-based role where you can manage your own workload and juggle multiple deadlines with ease. You’re skilled at collaborating with service teams to extract the information you need, and you bring emotional maturity and resilience to the table when working with sensitive content.

Whether you're identifying new funding opportunities, building strong funder relationships, or supporting SMART CJS’s strategic goals, you are driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of people facing homelessness and complex challenges. You’re not just a great writer—you’re a passionate advocate for change.