Bid Writer (Trusts and Foundations)
VONNE (Voluntary Organisations' Network North East)
Contract Type: Permanent
Role Type: Employment
Hours: Full time
Application deadline: Monday, November 16, 2026 - 23:59
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
As our Bid Writer: Trusts and Foundations, you will:
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
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."
Apply Today
Send your CV (and optional covering letter) to Sign in to view email.
If you have any questions about the role, please email Sign in to view email before making an application.
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.
Help good organisations achieve great outcomes. Join Ability Consultants today!
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