Freelance Fundraiser

About Sitopia Farm:

Sitopia Farm is a modern, urban farm located in Greenwich, SE London, dedicated to reconnecting people with the origins of their food and promoting a healthier, more equitable and sustainable food system. As a hub for community engagement, education, and regenerative, organic farming practices, Sitopia Farm is a space for cultivating not only crops but also ideas about a better future for food and farming.

We have been successful to date in raising money for our farm including through crowdfunding, grants and other sources, but are embarking on the next stage in our development: an ambitious project to raise £650,000 to build an eco-barn: a sustainable structure that will serve as the heart of our operations. This transformative project will significantly enhance our productivity as well as our ability to serve the community and promote sustainability.

This is a largely remote working job with occasional visits to Sitopia Farm, Greenwich, London.

Role Overview: 

Sitopia Farm is seeking a part-time freelance Fundraising Consultant to lead all aspects of fundraising, with a specific focus on securing the £650,000 needed for our eco-barn project. This is a critical role that offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping us bring this vision to life. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in fundraising strategy, grant writing, major donor engagement, and ideally an understanding of capital campaigns. We have had a strong track record in securing smaller amounts of funding to date and have a strong network and potential opportunities that this role could capitalise on.   

Key Responsibilities:

1. Fundraising Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy principally to secure c. £650,000 for the eco-barn project and support and develop fundraising for other farm activities as required.
• Identify and pursue diverse funding streams, including grants, corporate sponsorships, major donors, as well as crowdfunding and events.

2. Grant Writing and Proposal Development

• Research and apply for grants from trusts, foundations, and public funding bodies.
• Write compelling funding proposals tailored to funders’ priorities and ensure timely submission.

3. Major Donor and Corporate Engagement

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with high-net-worth individuals, corporate sponsors, and other key stakeholders.
• Develop tailored donor engagement plans, including pitches and impact reports.

4. Campaigns and Events

• Plan and execute an innovative fundraising campaign to raise awareness and funds for the eco-barn project.
• Work in partnership with external event advisers and in collaboration with the wider Sitopia Farm team to create successful fundraising events.
• Collaborate with the Sitopia Farm team to create engaging content and materials.

5. Project Management and Reporting

• Track and monitor fundraising progress against targets, providing regular updates to the team.
• Ensure compliance with funders’ requirements and support the Sitopia Farm team to deliver impact reports as needed.

Essential:

• Proven track record of leading successful fundraising initiatives, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience.
• Excellent skills in a range of fundraising techniques, in particular major donors, trusts and foundations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; confident in building relationships with donors, businesses, and stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of the UK fundraising landscape, fundraising regulation and code of practice.
• Strong organisational skills- capable of managing multiple income streams with strong attention to detail and great record-keeping and project management.
• Ability to work independently and drive results in a part-time, freelance capacity.

Desirable:

• Passion for sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and community-building projects.
• Experience of fundraising for a capital project.
• Experience of event and campaign management/ ability to work with others to deliver those aspects of the strategy.
• Knowledge of AI tools to enhance efficiency of fundraising.

Diversity and Inclusion: Sitopia Farm is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our passion for sustainability and community impact.