Location: Framlingham, Suffolk / Hybrid Flexible Working
Contract Type: Full-time / Part-time / Freelance (flexible depending on experience)
Reports to: Founder & CEO
About The Nest Farms
The Nest Farms is a Suffolk-based charity supporting young people aged 9–25 who are unable to access full-time education or employment due to mental health challenges. Based on an 11-acre working farm near Framlingham, The Nest combines therapeutic farming, psychoeducation, nature-based activities, and community connection to help young people build resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being. Established in 2022, The Nest was founded in response to the growing mental health crisis affecting young people across Suffolk and the UK. Through animal care, market gardening, cooking, mentoring, and therapeutic support, we provide a safe and inclusive environment where young people can reconnect with themselves, with others, and with the natural world. Our work is rooted in the values of connection, empathy, resilience, sustainability, inclusion, and well-being.
The Role
The Grant Writer will play a key role in supporting the long-term sustainability and growth of The Nest Farms. You will identify funding opportunities, develop compelling grant applications, manage reporting requirements, and help communicate the impact of our work to funders and partners. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is inspired by mental health advocacy, therapeutic farming, youth development, and community impact — and who wants their writing to contribute directly to meaningful change.
Key Responsibilities
Grant Research & Funding Strategy
- Research and identify suitable grant opportunities from trusts, foundations, government bodies, local authorities, and corporate funders
- Develop and maintain a funding pipeline and grants calendar
- Monitor trends and opportunities within mental health, youth services, alternative education, sustainability, and community development sectors
- Support the development of long-term fundraising strategies
Proposal Writing
- Write compelling, tailored grant applications and funding proposals
- Translate The Nest’s mission, programmes, outcomes, and vision into persuasive narratives
- Collaborate with the leadership team to gather impact data, budgets, case studies, and supporting materials
- Ensure all applications are accurate, well-presented, and submitted on time
Reporting & Impact Communication
- Prepare grant reports, monitoring documents, and funder updates
- Help communicate the measurable impact of The Nest’s programmes and activities
- Support the collection and organisation of impact data and testimonials
- Maintain accurate records of funding applications, awards, and deadlines
Relationship Building
- Build positive relationships with funders, partners, and supporters
- Represent The Nest Farms professionally and passionately in written communications
- Support wider fundraising and donor engagement activities where appropriate
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- An exceptional writer with the ability to tell powerful human stories with clarity and sensitivity
- Highly organised and able to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously
- Passionate about mental health, young people, and community impact
- Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently
- Comfortable working collaboratively within a small, mission-driven team
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience writing successful grant applications or fundraising proposals
- Strong written communication and editing skills
- Excellent research and organisational abilities
- Experience working in the charity, nonprofit, education, mental health, youth, or community sector
- Ability to interpret and present programme outcomes and impact data effectively
- Strong attention to detail and deadline management
Desirable Experience
- Experience securing funding for mental health, youth support, or community-based programmes
- Knowledge of UK charitable trusts and grant-making organisations
- Familiarity with impact reporting and monitoring frameworks
- Experience working within small charities or grassroots organisations
- Understanding of therapeutic farming, alternative provision, or nature-based interventions
Why Join The Nest Farms?
At The Nest, you will become part of a compassionate and ambitious organisation committed to transforming the lives of young people through nature, community, and therapeutic support.
You’ll have the opportunity to:
- Make a meaningful difference to young people facing mental health challenges
- Work within a supportive and purpose-led team
- Contribute to an innovative and growing charity
- Help shape the future of an organisation delivering measurable impact across Suffolk
Pay: From £25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Woodbridge IP13 9RS
