Prospect Researcher

About Ufton

At Ufton, we know learning outside the classroom gives children the freedom to flourish.  We run experiential programmes that deepen children’s knowledge and connection to nature, history and the self. Our team of skilled educators know how to make learning fun and bring out the best in all children, whatever their needs and whoever they are. We give children a safe space to learn about themselves and see everything in a new light, helping them grow up more confident, curious and capable. 

The opportunity 

Do you enjoy digging into information, following promising opportunities and joining the dots? 

As our Volunteer Fundraising Prospect Researcher, you’ll work alongside Ufton’s fundraising team to uncover new funding opportunities and help turn great research into real support for children.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• See how prospect research informs real fundraising decisions, relationships and applications. 
• Research trusts, foundations, businesses and other grant-making organisations that could support Ufton’s work. 
• Assess potential funders against criteria including eligibility, funding priorities, geographical focus, typical grant size, deadlines and previous giving.
• Explore who prospective funders have supported before and identify useful connections or potential routes of approach. 
• Produce clear, concise prospect summaries and recommendations, helping us focus on the strongest opportunities. 
• Help maintain our fundraising pipeline in Salesforce, keeping research, deadlines, potential funding values and next steps accurate and up to date.

About Ufton Court Educational Trust

We are a Educational Trust set in a Tudor manor house and surrounding woodlands in West Berkshire. We offer history and outdoor learning based residential and day visits to schools. We also run alternative provision day visits for both primary and secondary school students.

We host weddings and private events and the profits made from these are put back into the charity and used to make residential visits affordable to all and subsidies the alternative provision sessions. This includes sessions, transports and food for students attending.

What skills do I need?

We are looking for someone who:

• Is naturally curious and enjoys making connections, spotting patterns and uncovering promising opportunities. 
• Can look beyond a long list of names and make a considered judgement about which funders are genuinely a good fit. 
• Is analytical, organised and reliable, with strong attention to detail.
• Can turn detailed research into clear, concise and useful recommendations. 
• Is comfortable using online research tools, spreadsheets and databases. 
• Is happy working independently while remaining connected to a friendly and supportive team. 
• Is keen to learn and motivated by the opportunity to help create brighter futures for children. 

Experience of Salesforce or use of a CRM would be helpful but is not essential, as training will be provided. You don’t need previous fundraising experience either. Curiosity, good judgement and a willingness to learn are what matter most. 

Who might enjoy this role? 

This could be a brilliant first step for someone interested in a career in fundraising or the charity sector, offering practical experience and valuable insight into how funding opportunities are identified and developed. 

It could equally suit an established professional with research, analytical or commercial experience who would like to use their skills and available time to support a children’s charity, or looking to enter the charity sector. 

If you enjoy uncovering opportunities, joining the dots and turning research into practical recommendations, we’d love to hear from you. Your work will help us focus our fundraising efforts where they can have the greatest impact, enabling more children to experience the freedom to flourish at Ufton.

When is this role available?

This is a flexible role available on various days/times.

Details

This is a flexible role of around half a day to one day each week, or more if you’d like. Following an initial period of onboarding, some or all of the role can be carried out remotely. But we’d would love you to spend time with us at Ufton where possible, so you can feel connected to the team and immersed in the work your research will support.

Where does this role take place?