Application Guide

How to Apply for Trusts and Foundations Manager

at The Tuberous Sclerosis Association

🏢 About The Tuberous Sclerosis Association

The Tuberous Sclerosis Association (TSA) is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a rare genetic condition. What makes TSA unique is its dual focus on providing immediate support services while funding groundbreaking research into this specific condition. Working here means directly contributing to improving lives and advancing medical understanding of a rare disease that receives limited attention elsewhere.

About This Role

As Trusts and Foundations Manager, you'll be responsible for building and executing a fundraising strategy targeting charitable trusts and foundations to secure both restricted and unrestricted funding. This role is impactful because every grant secured directly enables TSA to expand its support services, fund critical research projects, and advance strategic priorities for the TSC community. You'll be the primary driver of institutional giving that sustains the charity's core operations.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching new trust prospects aligned with TSA's research priorities, drafting a funding proposal for a major foundation, and collaborating virtually with TSA's research team to gather data for an upcoming application. You'd likely spend time managing relationships with existing funders through progress reports while balancing pipeline development for future opportunities, all while coordinating with fundraising colleagues on integrated strategy.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The Tuberous Sclerosis Association Is Looking For

  • Has 2+ years of proven success in trusts/foundations fundraising within the UK charity sector, with specific examples of securing five-figure grants
  • Demonstrates experience managing a diverse portfolio of funders, from small family trusts to major foundations like Wellcome or National Lottery Community Fund
  • Shows genuine enthusiasm for TSA's mission through prior engagement with health charities or rare disease organizations
  • Possesses strong collaborative skills with experience working alongside service delivery teams to develop compelling funding cases

📝 Tips for Applying to The Tuberous Sclerosis Association

1

Quantify your trusts fundraising achievements specifically - mention exact grant amounts secured, success rates, and portfolio sizes rather than vague statements

2

Reference TSA's current research priorities or support services in your application to show you've done your homework on their specific needs

3

Highlight any experience with rare disease charities or health-focused fundraising, as this demonstrates understanding of TSA's niche

4

Emphasize your ability to work remotely while maintaining strong collaboration with distributed teams

5

Include examples of how you've balanced securing both restricted and unrestricted funding in previous roles

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with trusts and foundations fundraising in the UK charity sector, with quantifiable results', "Understanding of TSA's dual mission of support services and research funding, and how your skills serve both", 'Ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment with fundraising and non-fundraising colleagues', 'Enthusiasm for contributing to a rare disease charity and knowledge of the unique challenges/opportunities this presents']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → TSA's current research projects and priorities (available on their website)
  • → Their recent annual reports to understand funding mix and organizational priorities
  • → The specific support services TSA provides to the TSC community
  • → Key trust/foundation funders in the rare disease/health charity space in the UK

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your process for identifying and approaching new trust/foundation prospects relevant to TSA's specific needs
2 How would you develop a compelling funding case for TSA's research projects versus their support services?
3 Describe a time you had to collaborate with non-fundraising colleagues to develop a successful grant application
4 How do you prioritize and manage a diverse portfolio of trust relationships while working remotely?
5 What strategies would you employ to secure unrestricted funding specifically, given TSA's need for operational support?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic fundraising experience without specific trusts/foundations focus or quantifiable results
  • No demonstrated understanding of TSA's specific mission or the rare disease charity landscape
  • Overemphasis on corporate or individual fundraising experience without connecting it to trust fundraising

📅 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 The Tuberous Sclerosis Association!

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