Application Guide

How to Apply for Fundraising Manager

at Mermaids

🏢 About Mermaids

Mermaids is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse youth and their families through advocacy, community building, and direct services. What makes Mermaids unique is its grassroots, youth-centered approach and its role as a leading voice in trans rights in the UK, often operating in a challenging but vital social landscape. Someone might want to work here to directly impact the well-being of trans youth and contribute to a charity that is both a support service and a movement for change.

About This Role

As a part-time remote Fundraising Manager at Mermaids, you'll be responsible for identifying and cultivating funding opportunities—likely from trusts, foundations, and corporate partners—crafting compelling proposals that align with Mermaids' mission, and stewarding relationships to ensure ongoing support. This role is impactful because it directly fuels the charity's sustainability, enabling critical services like helplines, support groups, and educational resources for trans youth across the UK.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with checking emails to follow up on a proposal submitted to a trust, then researching new corporate prospects aligned with Mermaids' values. You could spend midday drafting a stewardship report for a long-term funder, highlighting how their support helped trans youth access the helpline, and end with a virtual meeting with the team to discuss pipeline updates or an upcoming funding deadline.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Mermaids Is Looking For

  • Has proven experience in charity fundraising, specifically with trusts, foundations, or corporate partnerships, ideally within LGBTQ+ or youth-focused sectors.
  • Is a confident relationship-builder who can authentically engage funders in Mermaids' mission, demonstrating empathy for trans youth issues.
  • Is a self-starter comfortable working remotely and managing a pipeline independently, with strong writing skills for creating inspiring funding proposals.
  • Is passionate about trans rights and understands the UK funding landscape for charities, including challenges facing marginalized communities.

📝 Tips for Applying to Mermaids

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific fundraising achievements (e.g., 'secured £X from a trust for youth mental health programs') rather than generic duties.

2

Mention any prior involvement with or knowledge of LGBTQ+ charities, especially trans-focused work, to show genuine alignment with Mermaids' mission.

3

If remote, emphasize your experience with self-management and digital tools for fundraising (e.g., CRM systems, virtual stewardship).

4

Research Mermaids' current campaigns (e.g., their helpline, school resources) and suggest a specific funding opportunity you'd pursue in your first 90 days.

5

Use inclusive language throughout your application, reflecting Mermaids' values (e.g., 'trans youth' not 'transgender children').

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express specific passion for Mermaids' work with trans youth, citing a program or initiative that resonates with you.", "Detail a past fundraising success that mirrors this role's needs—like stewarding a long-term partner or writing a winning proposal for a similar cause.", "Explain how you'd approach building a pipeline of prospects in the UK charity sector, given Mermaids' unique position and potential challenges.", 'Highlight your ability to work remotely and part-time while maintaining strong communication and relationship management.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Mermaids' recent impact reports or annual reviews to understand their funding needs and program successes.
  • → Current UK funders or partners listed on Mermaids' website (e.g., corporate sponsors, grant-making trusts) to identify potential prospects.
  • → News articles about Mermaids' advocacy work or challenges (e.g., media controversies, policy campaigns) to grasp the context they operate in.
  • → The UK fundraising landscape for trans rights charities, including key players like LGBTQ+ foundations or government grants.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you identify and approach new corporate partners who might support trans youth initiatives, given potential sensitivities?
2 Describe your process for creating an 'inspiring' funding proposal that tells Mermaids' story effectively to a trust or foundation.
3 How would you steward a funder who has supported Mermaids for years to ensure they feel valued and motivated to continue?
4 What strategies would you use to maintain a healthy pipeline of prospects while working remotely and part-time?
5 How do you stay informed about funding trends and opportunities in the UK charity sector, especially for LGBTQ+ causes?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning Mermaids or trans youth—this shows lack of genuine interest.
  • Overemphasizing fundraising for large, impersonal causes without tying it to relationship-building or stewardship for a community-focused charity.
  • Failing to address how you'd handle the part-time, remote nature of the role, which requires strong self-motivation and communication skills.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Mermaids!

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