Commitment level: Medium-high (<1 hour a week)

Job Summary: 

Are you passionate about securing funding and resources to support educational initiatives? We are seeking a friendly and talented individual to join our team as a Volunteer Bid Writer at the LFA Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). As the Bid Writer, you will play a vital role in helping our PTA secure grants and funding opportunities to enhance the educational experiences of our students. If you have excellent writing skills, attention to detail, and a passion for supporting education, we invite you to make a difference by becoming our Bid Writer.

Responsibilities:

• Research and identify potential grant opportunities, sponsorships, and fundraising programs that align with the goals and mission of our PTA.
• Collaborate with the PTA committee and event committees to understand the specific needs and requirements for funding.
• Write compelling grant proposals, sponsorship requests, and fundraising appeals that effectively communicate the importance and impact of our initiatives.
• Ensure that all proposals and requests are tailored to meet the specific guidelines and criteria of each funding opportunity.
• Gather relevant information, statistics, and data to support the case for funding, showcasing the value and benefits our projects bring to the school community.
• Work closely with the PTA and volunteers to collect testimonials, success stories, and other supporting materials to strengthen proposals.
• Coordinate with school administrators, teachers, and staff to gather necessary information and insights for grant applications.
• Keep track of submission deadlines and manage the submission process, ensuring all required documentation and materials are included.
• Maintain a comprehensive database of grants, contacts, and outcomes for future reference and reporting purposes.
• Stay updated on current trends and best practices in grant writing and fundraising to enhance the success rate of funding applications.

Qualifications:

• Excellent writing and communication skills with the ability to convey a compelling narrative and create persuasive proposals.
• Strong research and analytical abilities to identify suitable funding opportunities and gather relevant information.
• Attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Collaborative mindset to work effectively with the PTA committee, volunteers, and school staff.
• Previous experience in grant writing, fundraising, or a related field is desirable but not required.
• Familiarity with educational programs and initiatives is a plus.
• Passion for supporting education and a commitment to the success and well-being of our students.

Benefits:

• The opportunity to make a tangible impact on the educational experience of students in our community.
• Skill development in grant writing, research, and communication.
• Networking opportunities with potential funding organisations and community partners.
• Personal fulfilment through volunteering and contributing to a worthy cause.
• Looks great on your CV.

Join us in our mission to create a nurturing and enriching environment for our students. As the Bid Writer at the LFA PTA, your writing skills will be instrumental in securing the resources needed to support educational programs and initiatives. Together, we can empower our students to reach their fullest potential. If you are passionate about supporting education and enjoy crafting persuasive narratives, we invite you to apply for the Volunteer Bid Writer position.

To register your interest in the position or ask any questions, please contact us at chair.lfa.pta@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Note: This is a volunteer position with no monetary compensation.

Examples of grant opportunities

It’s important to note that grant availability and criteria may change over time, so verify the details and requirements for each grant before applying. Here are ten potential grant opportunities:

1. The National Lottery Community Fund – Awards for All: Offers grants for projects that bring communities together, promote education, and improve community spaces.
2. Foyle Foundation Schools Library Programme: Provides funding to improve and enhance school libraries, including purchasing books and resources.
3. Ernest Cook Trust: Supports educational projects related to the environment, literacy, numeracy, and STEM subjects.
4. Tesco Bags of Help: Provides grants for projects that promote community engagement and benefit local environments, including schools.
5. The Woodward Charitable Trust: Offers grants to projects that support education, literacy, and extracurricular activities.
6. The Garfield Weston Foundation: Provides funding for a wide range of educational initiatives, including support for school projects and facilities.
7. The Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation: Supports projects that benefit education, including school infrastructure improvements.
8. The Henry Smith Charity: Offers grants to organizations that support education, community development, and young people.
9. The Foyle Foundation Main Grants Scheme: Provides grants to support educational initiatives, including funding for specific projects or equipment.
10. The Wolfson Foundation – Primary Education Programme: Supports primary schools by providing grants for projects such as science labs, ICT equipment, and arts programs.

Once you find the official websites or contact information for these grant programs, you can reach out to them directly for any queries or further assistance regarding the application process.

Remember to carefully review the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and guidelines provided by each grant program before proceeding with your application.