Bid Writer (Trusts and Foundations)

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS' NETWORK NORTH EAST; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexi-time

Paid volunteer days

Occupational Sick Pay

Employee discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Ability Consultants in Sunderland is seeking a dedicated Bid Writer (Trusts and Foundations) to develop persuasive funding applications for charities and social enterprises across the UK. You will research opportunities, gather project information, and craft compelling cases for support that align with funder priorities.

The role offers a permanent, full-time contract based at Washington Business Centre, with 37.5 hours per week, a salary of £28,000–£29,000, and benefits including flexi-time and

Qualifications

• Strong writing skills to produce clear, persuasive proposals.
• Experience of bid writing, fundraising, or grant applications.
• Good research and analytical skills to identify funder opportunities.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for client collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and able to learn new systems.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify funding opportunities from trusts, foundations, statutory bodies, and other grant-makers.
• Write and submit high-quality, persuasive funding applications tailored to funder priorities.
• Work closely with clients to understand projects and develop compelling cases for support.
• Translate complex information and outcomes into clear, engaging proposals.
• Manage multiple funding applications, ensuring deadlines are met and records maintained.
• Support clients with funder reporting, monitoring returns, and grant stewardship.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, funders, colleagues and stakeholders.
• Monitor funding trends and contribute to fundraising strategies.

Skills

Bid writing

Fundraising

Research

Organization

Communication

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Bid Writer (Trusts and Foundations) at Ability Consultants

Contract Type: Permanent

Role Type: Employment

Hours: Full time

Application deadline:

Based: Sunderland

Salary: £28,000 to 29,000 Per Annum

Salary Type: Salary Scale

Location: Tyne and Wear

Role description: Officer

Do you have a passion for helping charities and purpose-driven organisations secure vital funding? Are you a strong communicator with excellent writing, research, and organisational skills? Can you turn great ideas into compelling funding applications that make a real difference? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

At Ability Consultants, we support charities, CICs, schools, social enterprises, community groups, and private sector organisations across the UK and beyond to secure vital funding and achieve lasting impact. Our clients trust us to provide expert fundraising support, helping them focus on what they do best while we secure the resources they need to grow and succeed.

The Role

• Research and identify funding opportunities from trusts, foundations, statutory bodies, and other grant-makers that align with our clients' needs.
• Write and submit high-quality, persuasive funding applications tailored to funder priorities and requirements.
• Work closely with clients to understand their projects, gather information, and develop compelling cases for support.
• Translate complex information, outcomes, and impact into clear, engaging funding proposals.
• Manage multiple funding applications, ensuring deadlines are met and accurate records are maintained.
• Support clients with funder reporting, monitoring returns, and grant stewardship.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients, funders, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Monitor funding trends, analyse bid success rates, and contribute to wider fundraising strategies.

What We Are Looking For

You may have:

• Strong writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive, and engaging content.
• Experience of bid writing, fundraising, grant applications, or transferable skills from a relevant field.
• Good research and analytical skills, with the ability to identify opportunities and present information effectively.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to build positive working relationships.
• The ability to work independently, take initiative, and contribute positively to a team.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new systems and processes.
• A proactive, adaptable, and client-focused approach, with an interest in supporting charities and community organisations.

We know that great candidates come from different backgrounds and bring a wide range of skills and experiences. You may not meet every criterion listed, and that's absolutely fine. If you believe you have the skills, potential, and enthusiasm to make a positive contribution to our team, we'd encourage you to apply. We're interested in what you can bring to the role, not just what's on your CV.

Why Join Ability Consultants?

• Salary: £28,000–£29,000 per annum (FTE)
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Permanent contract
• Based at Washington Business Centre, Sunderland
• 28 days annual leave (including public holidays)
• Flexi-time and paid volunteer days
• Occupational Sick Pay
• Access to Bright Exchange employee discounts
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, including confidential counselling, wellbeing support, and Virtual GP services
• Menopause support and dedicated helpline
• Full induction, training, and development opportunities
• Work with inspiring charities and organisations across the UK and beyond
• Join a consultancy with an outstanding Net Promoter Score of 75, reflecting exceptional client satisfaction.

What Our Clients Say

"Our partnership is delivering tangible success and an excellent return on investment, giving us greater confidence and capacity in our income generation work."

"Ability Consultants have been an invaluable partner to OUT North East. Their support with funding advice, strategy and grant applications has been instrumental in our success."

Closing date: 16/11/2026 at 23:59*

Interviews: Interviews will take place on a rolling basis.

Please note that we are recruiting on a rolling basis and may close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed, so we encourage early applications.

Previous applicants need not apply.