Role Overview

Purpose of the Role

The Trust & Foundations Manager is responsible for securing significant grant income from trusts, foundations, and institutional funders in the UK and internationally. The role leads on developing and managing a high-value funding pipeline, securing five‑, six‑ and seven‑figure grants, and building strong, long-term funder relationships.

Reporting to the Director of Fundraising & Communications, the postholder will work closely with colleagues in London and across sub-Saharan Africa to develop compelling proposals, budgets, and reports. The role includes line management responsibility for one fundraising team member and plays a key part in supporting organisational growth during a critical scale‑up phase.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Income Generation & Leadership

• Lead the implementation of the trusts, foundations, and institutional fundraising strategy, delivering sustainable income growth against agreed targets.
• Research, identify, and prioritise new funding opportunities, developing and managing a robust and dynamic pipeline in collaboration with senior leadership and Board members in the UK, USA, and Australia.
• Develop high-quality, tailored funding applications and concept notes for five‑, six‑ and seven‑figure grants, ensuring strong alignment with funder priorities and organisational strategy.
• Take ownership of the end-to-end bid‑writing process, producing persuasive, well‑structured applications that clearly articulate impact and value for money.
• Oversee the management of the grants pipeline, ensuring deadlines, reporting requirements, and performance are effectively monitored.

2. Relationship Management & Stewardship

• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key trust, foundation, and institutional funders through proactive engagement, stewardship, and high-quality communications.
• Engage directly with trustees, programme officers, and decision-makers to understand funder interests and position MicroLoan Foundation as a strategic delivery partner.
• Ensure excellent stewardship of existing funders through timely reports, impact updates, and ongoing relationship management, maximising renewal and uplift opportunities.

3. Line Management & Team Development

• Line manage one fundraising team member, providing clear objectives, regular supervision, coaching, and development support.
• Contribute to a positive, high‑performing fundraising culture, sharing knowledge and best practice across the wider team.
• Provide guidance and occasional training to colleagues and volunteers on bid‑writing, budgeting, and funder engagement.

4. Collaboration & Organisational Engagement

• Work closely with senior leadership, programme teams, and finance colleagues internationally to develop fundable projects, budgets, and cases for support.
• Partner with the Director of Fundraising & Communications on large‑scale, complex bids and cross‑organisational fundraising initiatives.
• Contribute to wider organisational planning and fundraising strategy development.

5. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of all funder activity, applications, and outcomes using the organisation’s CRM and grants management systems.
• Monitor and evaluate fundraising effectiveness, providing clear reporting and analysis to inform decision‑making.
• Keep abreast of trends in institutional philanthropy and adapt approaches accordingly.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Proven track record of securing significant grant income, including five‑ and six‑figure awards, from trusts, foundations, or institutional funders.
• Extensive experience of writing successful, high‑value funding applications, with strong attention to detail and narrative quality.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience developing and presenting funder‑ready budgets.
• Ability to analyse funder strategies and guidelines and translate organisational priorities into compelling applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences.
• Strong planning, research, and project management skills, with a strategic and results‑focused mindset.
• Collaborative, proactive, and confident working across teams and cultures.
• A genuine commitment to international development and the mission of MicroLoan Foundation.
• Willingness to occasionally support fundraising events or donor engagement activities outside standard working hours.

Desirable:

• Experience working in international development, social impact, or a related sector.
• Experience using CRM systems and grant management databases.
• Willingness to undertake occasional overseas travel.