Overview

We are seeking a Fundraising Trustee who will actively help us secure new income streams to sustain and grow our work. This is not an advisory-only role; we need someone who will roll up their sleeves and take action.

What difference will you make?

Your fundraising skills will directly shape the future of Word Forest. Every pound raised enables us to plant more trees, build more classrooms, and support more families in Kenya to achieve food security, education, and resilience. By committing just a few hours each month, you will strengthen our income base and help us reduce reliance on a very small core team.

What will you be doing?

Word Forest is an international reforestation charity tackling climate change by planting trees, building schools, and empowering communities in Kenya. Since 2017, we have planted over 1 million trees and supported families to improve food security, education, and resilience. We are now seeking a Fundraising Trustee who will actively help us secure new income streams to sustain and grow our work. This is not an advisory-only role; we need someone who will roll up their sleeves and take action.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to board meetings and decision-making as a full Trustee
• Commit 2–4 hours per month to practical fundraising activity
• Help design, implement, and deliver fundraising initiatives
• Identify and approach potential donors, grant makers, and corporate partners
• Support applications for funding and sponsorship
• Promote Word Forest to your own networks and beyond

What We’re Looking For

• Proven fundraising experience in at least one area of fundraising (charitable trusts, corporate partnerships, events, or digital campaigns)
• Confidence in networking, pitching, or donor engagement
• A collaborative, proactive approach and willingness to “get things done”
• Understanding of charity governance (desirable but not essential)
• Commitment to our mission, values, and integrity

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of charity governance and the legal duties of Trustees (training can be provided if needed)
• Understanding of ESG priorities in business or corporate social responsibility programmes
• Familiarity with small charity fundraising and the challenges of limited staff capacity
• Financial literacy, particularly in relation to charity budgeting and reporting

Personal Qualities

• Proactive and hands-on, willing to take the initiative
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with the ability to work closely with other Trustees and staff
• Creative and resourceful, able to find opportunities and solutions
• Passionate about Word Forest’s mission tackling climate change, supporting education, and building resilience in Kenyan communities
• Integrity and reliability, with a commitment to transparency and ethical fundraising

We know that lived experience can be as valuable as formal qualifications. If you have overcome challenges, worked in grassroots communities, or bring a different perspective on sustainability and social justice, we would love to hear from you.

You don’t need to have been a Trustee before. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will provide an induction and ongoing support.

Seniorities and employment

• Seniority level: Not Applicable
• Employment type: Not specified (voluntary)
• Job function: Other

This is a voluntary position. Meetings are online, with reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed.

If you are a motivated fundraiser who wants to directly increase our impact, we would love to hear from you.

Torquay, England, United Kingdom

Exeter, England, United Kingdom

Torquay, England, United Kingdom