Freelance Fundraiser: trusts and grants

ACT is an established charity paying grants to actors to bring stability and opportunity to their children.

None of ACT’s main fund is endowed so the Trustees must ensure new income to maintain reasonable reserves. In recent years ACT has received fewer legacies and donations from individuals, but we have been able to draw down from capital to supplement income. However, with the current low growth in investments, ACT must now diversity our income streams to support existing services.

Fundraising brief

We believe grant-making Trusts and Foundations are a significant source of potential income. The Trustees are seeking an experienced freelance trust fundraiser to raise an initial minimum target of £70,000 to support our ongoing children’s activity grants and projects.

·        Fee: £350 - £450 per day (dependent on experience)

·        Timescale for work: Sept 2024 - 31st March 2025

·        50 - 60 days work

The freelance fundraiser will identify parcels of work and potential funders. You will write bids and lead on the process, acting on the charity’s behalf as the main point of contact. You will report to Jane Foy, an ACT Trustee who is herself a professional fundraiser. Data will be provided by ACT’s head of family support and executive director.

ACT’s supports a niche group of beneficiaries. Our work is not project-based but may be parcelled into clusters of specific impact. This role is therefore likely to appeal to a fundraiser with experience in making a compelling case for a charity that is harder to fund.

Who we are looking for

A self-motivated and an effective freelance fundraiser with a strong track record of securing grant funding for a national organisation. Well-developed relationships with grant makers and knowledge of specialist funds. Excellent research and writing skills with ability to develop outcomes in line with funder’s expectations.

Deliverables

Delivering a case for support, for different areas of ACT’s work (see below).

A range of applications made on behalf of ACT between September 2024 and March 2025 to generate minimum £70,000.

Daily agreed rate will be inclusive of all expenses. There is option for a desk space at our office in Bloomsbury or flexible work from home.

To apply

We welcome informal discussion and CVs initially. Jane Foy has the board’s authority to commission a freelancer immediately.

About ACT

ACT was founded in 1896 as the Actors’ Orphanage Fund.

Presidents have included:  Sir Henry Irving, Sir Laurence Olivier, Sir Noel Coward & Lord Attenborough.

In the year to 31 March 2024:

               ACT funded 377 children, from 244 actors’ families.

Grants totalled just under £400,000 including (rounded figures):

£150,000 for clubs and activities

£110,000 for childcare

£50,000 for laptops, school trips, uniforms, lunches, transport

£30,000 specifically funding SEND additional needs support

£25,000 to enable PIPA to give parents access to theatre work

£10,000 towards new babies’ costs and kit

£10,000 for sixth-formers

£6,000 start-up grants for university students

£5,000 for children’s clothes, bedding and furniture

Families were in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.