Fundraising Assistant

Job Overview

Fundraising Assistant (Part Time/Flexible, Voluntary)

Organisation: Community Mind Connect (CMC)

Location: Lancaster, UK (remote working)

Commitment: Approximately 2 hours per week/month, flexible to suit individual and organisational needs.

About Community Mind Connect (CMC):
"At CMC we aim to empower individuals and communities by driving innovative solutions in arts, education, and planet friendly projects. Community Mind Connect C.I.C. is a catalyst for positive change, connecting communities with cutting edge ideas to build a more sustainable and vibrant future."

Our approach to collaboration is fundamental to how we operate. CMC is committed to working alongside other local organisations to strengthen impact and better serve the Lancaster District community. By forging partnerships with like minded groups we deliver innovative projects and share resources effectively. Our past collaborations include community art projects and successful wellbeing initiatives driven by community participation. Working together is key to achieving sustainable and meaningful outcomes for the community.

Role Summary

Community Mind Connect is seeking an enthusiastic and organised Fundraising Assistant to join our team on a voluntary basis. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to gain experience in the charity sector and contribute to a growing organisation making a real difference in the Lancaster community. Working closely with the founder/board member responsible for fundraising, the Fundraising Assistant will provide crucial administrative and practical support to help CMC achieve its fundraising goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and identify potential funding sources, including grants, trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships, and individual donors.
• Maintain and update the fundraising database with accurate information on donors, applications, and outcomes.
• Assist with the preparation of funding applications, including gathering supporting documents and proofreading.
• Support fundraising events by helping with logistics, promotion, and volunteer coordination.
• Assist with donor communications, including thank you letters, newsletters, and social media updates related to fundraising.
• Provide general administrative support to the fundraising function, such as filing, photocopying, and managing correspondence.
• Assist with tracking fundraising income and expenditure and preparing basic reports.
• Support online fundraising initiatives, such as setting up online donation pages and promoting campaigns.
• Assist individuals or groups who are fundraising on behalf of CMC.

Person Specification

• Organised and detail oriented.
• Enthusiastic and self motivated.
• Possesses good written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in basic IT skills, including email, word processing, and spreadsheets.
• Has a genuine interest in the work of Community Mind Connect and a desire to contribute to our mission.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Experience in fundraising or a related field.
• Familiarity with fundraising databases or CRM systems.
• Experience in event planning or support.
• Social media skills.
• An understanding of the charity sector.

What We Offer

• Valuable experience in fundraising within a community focused organisation.
• The opportunity to develop key skills in research, administration, and communication.
• The chance to contribute directly to the success and sustainability of CMC.
• The opportunity to work alongside a passionate and dedicated team.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• The satisfaction of knowing you are making a positive impact on the lives of others in Lancaster.

How to Apply

Interested individuals are invited to submit a brief expression of interest outlining their relevant skills and experience and why they are interested in volunteering as a Fundraising Assistant with Community Mind Connect. Please also include a CV (optional).

Applications should be sent to:

Deadline for Applications: 01/09/25

We particularly encourage applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of the Lancaster community. This is a voluntary position and therefore unpaid. Reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of duties may be reimbursed in accordance with CMC's expenses policy.

Requirements

• Commitment to CMC's Mission: A genuine understanding of and passion for the aims and values of Community Mind Connect.
• Organisational Skills: Proven ability to manage tasks effectively, prioritise workload, and meet deadlines.
• Attention to Detail: Excellent accuracy in data entry, proofreading, and administrative tasks.
• Communication Skills: Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with others.
• Teamwork and Independence: Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and also manage tasks independently.
• IT Literacy: Proficiency in basic IT skills, including email, word processing (e.g. Microsoft Word, Google Docs), and spreadsheets (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets).
• Reliability and Responsibility: Dependable and able to follow through on assigned tasks.
• Enthusiasm and Motivation: A proactive and positive attitude towards supporting fundraising activities.
• Interest in Fundraising: Some understanding of fundraising principles and practices.
• Experience with Databases: Familiarity with data entry and management, ideally within a CRM or fundraising database system.
• Event Support Experience: Previous involvement in assisting with events, even in a non professional capacity.
• Social Media Awareness: Understanding of social media platforms and their potential for fundraising.
• Knowledge of the Charity Sector: Basic awareness of how charities operate and are funded.
• Local Knowledge: Familiarity with the Lancaster community and potential funding sources within the area.

We particularly encourage applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of the Lancaster community. This is a voluntary position and therefore unpaid. Reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of duties may be reimbursed in accordance with CMC's expenses policy.

About the Company

Community Mind Connect C.I.C. is dedicated to building a more sustainable and vibrant future for the Lancaster district by connecting communities with cutting edge ideas. We empower individuals and communities through innovative solutions in the arts, education, and planet friendly projects, acting as a catalyst for positive change.