Fostering Compassion is a groundbreaking humane education project for vulnerable children who may be showing worrying behaviour towards animals or are struggling with compassion and empathy in general. Unique in our approach, our activities share the stories of rescued animals in a way that the children draw parallels between their circumstances and the animals, helping them see animals as sentient beings sharing similar emotions to them. Through sharing the animals’ stories, the children gain a greater understanding of their circumstances, providing a platform for them to open up about their own abuse and neglect, encouraging healing. We work to address the links between animal abuse, child abuse, elder abuse and interpersonal violence.

We are looking for a Fundraising Development Co-ordinator to assist us during this exciting stage of growth for the charity. You will be responsible for increasing donations, submitting grant applications and diversifying our income streams. You will be tasked with increasing unrestricted and restricted income for the charity through a variety of sources and forming new and innovative partnerships for income generation and developing new opportunities.

We are looking for the eventual development of a Fundraising Team to allow us to expand and support many more children and animals, so the role has great potential for expansion.

The goal is to help ensure the sustainability of our organization through diversified income streams well into the future.

Responsibilities and Duties: Under guidance, the person in this role will

• Increase restricted and unrestricted funding
• Identify Grant making bodies and Trusts whose criteria we fit
• Complete and submit a minimum of two funding applications a month
• Increase direct debit giving
• Develop a major donor programme
• Identify and research a variety of new fundraising avenues and opportunities including digital fundraising platforms
• Develop a fundraising team and structure for the organisation

Report to: The CEO. They are expected to work as part of a team but also be able to act on their own initiative

Probationary period: 3 months

Requirements and skills

Essential:

• Proven experience in a similar position
• Grant Application experience
• General fundraising skills
• Donor recruitment skills
• Ability to work as a team member but also work on your own initiative
• Working knowledge of databases and MS Office (especially Excel)
• Able to communicate effectively with good writing skills
• Team coordination abilities
• Knowledge and understanding of data protection, disclosure and safeguarding procedures
• Familiar with Social Media platforms
• Knowledge of digital fundraising platforms
• A pleasant, outgoing personality
• Must love animals

Preferable:

• Knowledge of the Link
• Knowledge of the Human-Animal Bond

We are open minded about getting the right person for the position so even if you don’t feel you meet all the essential criteria, we would encourage you to apply.

Note: As part of the interview process we will be asking candidates to deliver a 5 minute presentation outlining their ideas for fundraising expansion and donor recruitment.

Aberlour are the largest solely Scottish children’s charity; we help to transform the lives of disadvantaged children, young people and families across Scotland, and we are looking to recruit new Trustees who will join us in our efforts to ensure children have the opportunities and support they deserve.

Aberlour has a rich history of delivering vital services to vulnerable children, young people and their families. Since our inception as an orphanage in Speyside in 1875 and the formal establishment of Aberlour Child Care Trust in 1976, we have developed a significant reputation for delivering the following services: residential care and fostering, recovery, early years, disability, early intervention and youth work. We offer support at the earliest opportunity – giving children the best possible start in life is at the heart of everything we do.

Due to Trustees coming to the end of their term, we are seeking up to five new Trustees with a range of skills to join the Board during 2025 to help us to deliver our ambitious strategic priorities and goals to transform the lives of disadvantaged children across Scotland. Applicants should have the values, experience and passion to lead one of Scotland’s leading charities at a time when our support is needed more than ever.

We are looking for the following skills:

• Chartered accountant with strong financial skills, in particular charity accounting, that would allow you to chair or join our Finance Committee.
• Understanding of children’s services or social care. Also experience of scrutiny or quality improvement that would allow you to chair or join our Improvement, Audit & Risk Committee.
• Experience of social investment.
• Policy development, especially in relation to engaging with children and families who are overcoming trauma.
• Learning and development.
• Lived experiences that can bring empathy with children and young people.
• Understanding of the demands and complexities of board-level governance and experience of operating at a senior level in Corporate, Public or Third sector environments would be an advantage.

In welcoming applications from all parts of Scotland’s communities, we recognise that diversity in the voices around our table will better reflect the communities we serve. If you believe you could add real value to our board table but don’t meet some or all the criteria we have laid out, we would still love to hear from you, but please highlight for us the value you would bring in your application.

You will be required to attend 4 Board meetings, relevant committee meetings and a Board Development Day each year.

Charity trustees are expected to direct the affairs of the charity through efficient, effective and accountable governance, ensuring that the organisation is professionally run and acts in accordance with its stated aims and objectives. These are unpaid roles, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

The Wood Foundation

Our mission at The Wood Foundation is centred on three core areas: developing young people, promoting economic growth, and supporting community development. We invest in initiatives that empower individuals, particularly young people, to reach their full potential and drive positive change within their communities.

In Scotland, we focus on improving education and enterprise, particularly in the Northeast, where we aim to uplift local communities through innovative projects and partnerships. Internationally, our work promotes sustainable development in agriculture, providing opportunities for growth in some of the world's most underserved regions.

What will you do as YPI Partnerships Manager?

As the YPI Partnerships Manager you will be responsible for cultivating and managing partnerships with stakeholders, charitable trusts, and foundations to secure funding for YPI Scotland’s initiatives. You will build and maintain relationships with these key stakeholders, including peer organizations, public bodies, and private sector partners, to enhance collaboration and support. Engaging in forums and working groups, you will contribute to the development of relevant education and social policies impacting young people in Scotland.

Additionally, you will make strong connections with charities and third sector networks while organizing high-profile events and webinars to promote the YPI program and its impact. Leading the planning and execution of our flagship annual YPI Scotland National Event, you will ensure it effectively displays program success and engages stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of funding partnerships to ensure the long-term growth, sustainability, and development of YPI Scotland nationally.
• Identify and nurture new funding relationships with like-minded corporates, charitable trusts, and foundations focused on YPI Scotland’s sustainability and growth.
• Establish and maintain professional and productive relationships with key stakeholders and strategic partners, including peer organizations and public, private, and third sector entities.
• Participate in working groups, forums, and partnerships to contribute to the development of relevant education, social, and public policy in Scotland.
• Identify opportunities for The Wood Foundation to raise the profile of programs and investment activities throughout Scotland.
• Continue to develop positive working relationships with charities, third sector interfaces, and national member networks.
• Deliver a program of third sector engagement events and webinars to enhance knowledge and understanding of the YPI program.
• Lead the coordination and delivery of the annual YPI Scotland National Event, ensuring best practices and program impact are effectively showcased within budget.
• Comply with all relevant health and safety requirements and adhere to Foundation policies and procedures.

What do we need from you?

We are seeking an enthusiastic and strategic individual with a proven track record in partnership management, events and fundraising. You should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, enabling you to build and maintain productive relationships with diverse stakeholders. A deep understanding of the third sector and the ability to navigate the complexities of public and private partnerships are essential.

You should be proactive in identifying funding opportunities and innovative ways to engage with the community. Experience in event planning and a passion for empowering young people will be crucial as you coordinate impactful initiatives and events. Your commitment to the values of The Wood Foundation and YPI Scotland will be key in driving our mission forward.

Skills and Experience

• Third sector experience – either gained through working in a third sector organisation or delivering/supporting education programme(s) with a focus in a non-profit or social impact environment.
• Fundraising experience – including experience of creating and managing successful funding relationships with corporate and/or Trust and Foundation partners.
• Stakeholder management – Experience of building strong relationships with a range of external stakeholders to raise The Wood Foundations cause.
• Strong organizational skills – The ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and take the initiative to complete tasks and make sure the needs of the organisation are met.
• Computer literate – Excellent ICT and communication skills, including accurate report writing.
• Presentation confidence – verbal presentation skills to a wide and diverse audience.
• Strong team player – Ability to work effectively as part of a small team including proven ability to successfully lead change, be adaptable, solution orientated and contribute effectively to the organisation strategy.

Are you passionate about supporting young people – especially those who have experiences of care or need extra help to make the transition to adulthood, parenthood, employment and education?

Dean and Cauvin Young People’s Trust is one of Scotland’s oldest charities – working in Edinburgh since 1733. Today, we exist to be a place of hope for vulnerable and care experienced children, young people and families in Edinburgh and the Lothians and we do this via our interconnected services which include:

• 2 residential houses for young people aged 15-21 and young mums and babies

• Our Community and Transition team which delivers support to young people and families in the community

• Our Wellbeing Hub and outings, breaks and activities

• Room 4U our teenage fostering service.

We have been working hard in the last few years to redesign our services to best meet the recommendations of The Promise. We are now looking for new trustees to join us on the next stage of our development as we seek to deliver high-quality care and support with the voices of young people at the heart of all we do.

Join us

This is an incredible opportunity to make a difference with young people and build your skills alongside our other trustees. Our Board will always contain those with experience in key areas of work with young people including social work, education and fostering as well as finance and organisational governance. As a part of our origins, we also have representatives from:

• The Sheriff Principal of the Lothians and Borders

• The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh

• The Royal High School of Edinburgh

• The Presbytery of Edinburgh of the Church of Scotland

• The Councillors of the City of Edinburgh Council

• The Faculty of Advocates

Skills and experience

It is important that we continue to build and diversify our board to ensure we have a range of voices and experiences represented to help us reflect and understand the needs of young people in Edinburgh today.

We are recruiting for Trustees in the following areas:

• Leadership roles in children and families and child-protection focused services (i.e. social work, residential care, family support)

• Charitable / third sector – delivery and governance

• Fundraising and income generation

• Those with lived experiences of care/care-experienced

• Those from ethnically diverse and ethnic minority groups

• Young people aged 18-26

No previous board experience is necessary as full support and training will be provided.

What we do need is someone who is committed to our values and has an understanding of the current issues affecting young people, of high-quality practice approaches as well as the opportunities and challenges of the third sector.

The most important attributes of trustees joining us include:

• A willingness to ask questions

• A shared belief in our values, aims and objectives

• Energy to be an active and engaged trustee

• Desire to be a champion for young people and our organisation

Your responsibilities

Being a trustee requires a time commitment to the role. Duties/tasks include:

• Attend 4 board meetings a year (quarterly)

• Take part in our annual Development session with staff and/or trustees

There are additional opportunities to attend and contribute to our Finance sub-group and/or Care & Support sub-group. These meet 4 times per year (1-2 weeks before a Board meeting).

If this sounds like an opportunity you can bring your time, skills and passion to – we would love to hear from you.