CUMBRIA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

GRANTS & PROGRAMMES OFFICERRECRUITMENT PACKDovenby HallCockermouth, CA13 0PNwww.cumbriafoundation.orgwww.cumbriafoundation.org2Cumbria is a county rich in beauty, heritage and resilience.Yet, behind this strength, some communities face challengesthat can limit opportunity. Many families and individualsexperience isolation, financial hardship and barriers towellbeing. These needs are often hidden, but they are real—and they inspire us to act.Cumbria Community Foundation is an independent charity dedicated to making Cumbria a great place foreveryone to live. We bring together generous people and vital causes, tackling disadvantage andstrengthening communities through philanthropy and life-changing grants. Our vision is simple: a countywhere needs are met and everyone can reach their potential. Guided by two core strategic priorities—creating positive and lasting change through our grant making andgrowing funds available for distribution—we ensure our work delivers impact now and for the future. As one of Cumbria’s leading grant makers, we distribute around £5 million annually and steward endowedassets of more than £35 million. Donors trust our expertise to direct funds where they make the greatestimpact—supporting grassroots organisations and initiatives that transform lives and sustain vital projects.Since 1999, we’ve awarded almost £70 million in grants, supporting more than 4,000 organisations and8,000 individuals. Today, we manage over 100 funds, each tailored to meet local needs.Our fundholders, donors and supporters benefit from our deep understanding of Cumbrian communities.We collaborate with partners and stakeholders to co-design programmes and secure additional funding,ensuring resources reach where they are needed most.Looking ahead, we aim to expand our expertise in tackling the wider determinants of health and increaseour grant-making to deliver impactful, local solutions.Our friendly, committed team of 17 is based in Dovenby, supported by an active Board of Trustees andseveral committees. Together, we share one goal: to make Cumbria a place where everyone has the chanceto flourish.ABOUT USwww.cumbriafoundation.org3JOB DESCRIPTIONJob Title: Employer: Hours: Salary: Location: Contract:Pension:Leave:Review: Grants & Programmes OfficerCumbria Community Foundation (CCF)30 - 37.5 hours/week (hours are negotiable) £28,000 - £32,000 FTEOur office is based at Dovenby Hall (1st floor), Dovenby,Cockermouth, CA13 0PN. We operate a flexible workingpolicy, which includes an ability to work partially fromhome. This position is offered as a permanent contract.After the completion of a successful probationary period,we offer the opportunity to join a pension scheme, whichmakes a matching contribution of up to 7.5% of salary.25 days per year plus bank holidays plus two additionaldays at Christmas and one at Easter.This role has a six-month probationary period.We welcome applications from candidates across Cumbria. Knowledge and understanding ofcommunities in South Cumbria, particularly Barrow-in-Furness, is desiarable.www.cumbriafoundation.org4The Grants & Programmes Officer will become part of our experienced grants team, workingacross key areas of the Foundation including grant distribution, donor and fundholder stewardship,fund management and programme development. We are looking for someone highly motivated and enthusiastic to help deliver an accessible andimpactful grant-making service. You will advise applicants, assess grant applications, makerecommendations to donors and fundholders, and contribute to monitoring and impact reports forfunders. You will be responsible for administering a portfolio of grant making funds andsupporting the associated decision-making and governance processes.A key aspect of this role will be to build and nurture relationships with donors and fundholders –from individuals and families to corporates and public bodies. You will be responsible for ensuringfundholders feel appreciated, connected and informed, which encourages repeat giving and adeeper commitment to the causes they care about. Reporting to the Director of Programmes & Partnerships, you will play a key role in providinggrant making services and shaping future programme development.Ideally, you will bring experience in community development and grant making, though this is notessential. What matters most is a strong commitment to addressing community needs and theability to build positive relationships with a wide range of people and organisations.Your analytical and communication skills, combined with strategic thinking, will ensure funds aredirected effectively to tackle disadvantage and strengthen communities across Cumbria.This is an excellent opportunity for someone who combines strong communication and relationship-building skills, with strong administration and assessment skills, who enjoys interpreting informationand works well both independently and as part of a team. MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLEwww.cumbriafoundation.org5MAIN TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIESProvide a high-quality and effective grant making andfund management service. Key Responsibilities:Manage a portfolio of grant-making funds and programmes,supporting the Foundation’s business plan and strategy, and assistingin the development of new funds as needed.Grant Making:Advise and support organisations and individuals on how to apply to the Foundation’s grantmaking funds.Understand the needs of community organisations and support them to apply for funding,ensuring high customer satisfaction.Assess grant applications within set timescales, in line with CCF’s grant making policy and withinspecific fund criteria, making recommendations for grant awards.Prepare grant award recommendations and papers for Grants Committees and Advisory Panels.Manage and administer Grants Committees and Advisory Panels, as required.Manage, monitor and evaluate grant awards and funding programmes.Use the Foundation’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System, Salesforce, toaccurately log grants, applications and donations.Undertake project and monitoring visits, as required.Produce and present grant making reports and fund reports, as required.Provide grant making support to and cover for other funds, as necessary.Work with the grants team to review and identify opportunities to improve efficiencies in allaspects of the grants process.Report back on issues impacting the local voluntary sector through attending external events.Ensure donors and fundholders receive excellent stewardshipand support.www.cumbriafoundation.org6MAIN TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIESDeliver a professional, responsive service to donors,funders and partners to ensure their continuedsupport.Donor Stewardship:Development of Grant Making Funds and Programmes:Seek additional donations from fundholders, donors and supporters to develop grant makingfundsEngage with partners and communities to understand local strengths, needs and opportunities.Work closely with the Development Team and partners to shape priorities and themes for newprogrammes and funds that address these needs.Represent the Foundation in meetings and events, confidently communicating the case forsupport and inviting donations.Promotion and Publicity:Attend and deliver workshops and seminars to support local groups and help build capacity.Represent the Foundation at events to showcase and promote its work.Provide clear information to organisations and relevant agencies.Work with the Communications Team to maximise PR opportunities.Contribute content for the Foundation’s newsletter, social media channels and website.Other General Duties: Stay informed about developments and policy changes in the charity sector through research andby liaising with senior staff in other organisations. Attend external seminars and workshops onbehalf of the Foundation when appropriate.Work collaboratively as part of the team, ensuring key functions are covered during staffabsences.Carry out other duties that support the work of the Foundation as needed.Build and maintain strong relationships with fundholders, donors,partners and funded organisations, making sure their needs areunderstood and met.Provide clear reports and information to donors in line with their preferences and attend meetingswhen required.Proactively build relationships with donors and fundholders, confidently seeking additionaldonations to grow grant-making funds.www.cumbriafoundation.orgEssentialPERSONSPECIFICATIONSKILLS & ABILITIESDesirable7Strong customer service andrelationship-building skills; able towork effectively with diverse people.Clear communicator, written andverbal, with experience in reports andpresentations.Good analytical skills; able tointerpret financial and project data.Excellent organisational and timemanagement skills; able to managemultiple priorities.Proficient IT user, including Microsoft365, Teams, SharePoint, CRM systemsand collaboration tools.Ability to monitor progress and trackperformance against milestones.Skilled in interpreting and analysinginformation.Strong organisational ability; able toprioritise workload and workindependently.Experience in assessing andmanaging grant applications and/orproject management.Experience in fundraising, donorengagement, or income generation,with a proven ability to securedonations.Ability to develop funding proposalsand secure funding.Understanding of different legalstructures for charities andcommunity organisations.Familiar with using social media toshare information and gatherinsights.Good knowledge of the voluntaryand charity sector.www.cumbriafoundation.orgEssentialPERSONSPECIFICATIONEDUCATIONDesirable85 GCSE passes or equivalentespecially in EnglishGraduate-level education orevidence of comparable ability.DesirableEssentialEXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGEKnowledge of grant-makingprocesses and fund management.Experience managing stakeholderrelationships and donor engagement.Background in developing projects,programmes or funds.Good understanding of theVoluntary, Community, Faith andSocial Enterprise (VCFSE) sector.Awareness of funding issuesaffecting VCFSE organisations inCumbria.Knowledge of Cumbria’s economic,social, environmental and culturalcontext.Experience of grant-makingprocesses and fund management.Experience of working withbusinesses and understanding theirpriorities and needs.Project management experience.Background in the voluntary andcommunity sectors.Knowledge of social and systemicchange.Ability to work in complexenvironments with partners who havediffering priorities.Experience in development orfundraising roles.www.cumbriafoundation.orgEssentialPERSONAL ATTRIBUTES9Strong team player who supportscolleagues.Excellent communication andinterpersonal skills.Self-motivated and able to manage avaried workload.Hard-working, adaptable andconfident, with great attention todetail.Approachable and enthusiastic,willing to listen and engage with allstakeholders.Flexible with working hours, tasks andresponsibilities.Open to new challenges and quick tolearn.Calm, resilient and professionalunder pressure.Genuine passion for the Foundationand its mission.Passionate about championing andsupporting traditionallyunderrepresented groups within thecounty.Comfortable initiating conversationsabout giving and able to make directrequests for donations.Ability to remain tactful, diplomaticand assertive in challengingsituations.Strong networking skills, able to buildrapport and credibility with a widerange of people including Trustees,advisors, donors, grantees andstakeholders.Resilient and positive when handlingpotential rejection or challengingsituations.DesirableEssentialANY OTHER REQUIREMENTSPassionate about supporting localcommunities and tacklingdisadvantage.Flexible to work occasional eveningsor weekends and travel outside theregion.Access to a car and a clean drivinglicence.Desirablewww.cumbriafoundation.org10Flexible working hours with remote working25 days per year holiday plus bank holidays plus twoadditional days at Christmas and one at EasterHealth Care Assistance Plan with employee benefitsPension contributions of up to 7.5% of salaryCommitment to personal training and developmentRegular full team away days/half daysEMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGEContinuous Personal DevelopmentWork with the Head of Grants Practice &Programmes to identify areas for furthertraining and development, undertakingrelevant courses and qualifications as required.Health and SafetyThe post holder is required to carry out theduties in accordance with the Foundation’sHealth and Safety policies and procedures.SafeguardingThe post holder is required to carry out theduties in accordance with the Foundation’sSafeguarding policy and procedures. A basicDBS check is a requirement of this role.DiversityThe post holder is required to have dueregard to equal opportunities at all times, andto work in a fair and reasonable mannertowards all people, ensuring service standardsare maintained for all.QualityTo support the Foundation in striving tocreate a culture with total commitment toquality. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTSwww.cumbriafoundation.orgOUR VALUES 11Staff and trustees agreed these valuestogether, and we embed them ineverything we dowww.cumbriafoundation.orgWE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOUMORE INFORMATIONFor an informal discussion about the role,contact Jenny Benson on 01900 825760 oremail jenny@cumbriafoundation.orgAPPLYTo apply for this post please,complete the APPLICATION FORM by 9am Monday 5 January 2026thInterviews will take place in person on Wednesday 21 January 2026 on the first floor of CCF’soffices. Reasonable adjustments will be made where required. stA pre-interview task will be forwarded to those called for interview for completion in advance.Cumbria Community Foundation is a charitable company limited by guarantee. Registered in England andWales. Charity Registration No: 1075120. Company Registration No: 0371332812Professional and personal references will be required prior to appointment Proof of right to work in the UK will be required.