Prospect Research Volunteer

About Plantlife

Plantlife is the global charity working to enhance, protect, restore and celebrate the wild plants and fungi that are essential to all life on earth. With two in five plant species at risk of extinction, biodiversity loss is now the fastest it’s ever been and Plantlife’s work has never been more vital. Plantlife champions and accelerates conservation action, working at the heart of a global network of individuals and organisations, to influence and inspire landowners and land managers, public and private bodies, governments and local communities. As time begins to run out, Plantlife’s position as the global voice for wild plants and fungi will help to bring lasting and positive change to our natural world – for everyone’s sake.

About the role

We are looking for a self-motivated and detail-oriented Prospect Research Volunteer to support our fundraising efforts by identifying and evaluating funding opportunities from trusts, foundations, and grant-making bodies. This role is vital to helping us grow our income and deliver impactful conservation projects.

Note - In line with GDPR best practice, volunteers who we offer the opportunity to, will be asked to provide details of two suitable referees. Please ensure you have known referees for more than 6 months and they are not a partner, close relative, or Plantlife employee. Former or current work colleagues, friends, and neighbours that have known you for more than 6 months are some examples that would be fine.

Location: Home based.

Benefits

You will be a valuable part of our Partnerships Team and will have the support of a dedicated volunteer manager. 

Volunteer Manager: Beth Webb – Partnerships Manager 

Opportunities to gain experience and skills in the following areas:

• Insight into the fundraising and development function within a conservation charity.
• Experience in research and prospect development.
• Opportunity to contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation efforts.
• References and recognition for your contribution.
• Flexible volunteering tailored to your availability.
• You will be able to develop your knowledge of conservation of wild plants, lichens and fungi.
• As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to take part in training and development opportunities as well as our programme of member and volunteer events.

Key activities

• Research and compile information on relevant funding opportunities from trusts, foundations, and grant programmes aligned with our mission and aims.
• Provide summaries using our Prospect Research Template and discuss with the Partnerships Manager and add to our Database.
• Conduct essential due diligence on select trusts and foundations using a Due Diligence Template, as recommended by the Partnerships Manager.
• Review competitors' funders and create a list of these to research in terms of fit to Plantlife
• Support the Partnerships team with preparation of ‘Gateway Group’ proposals for internal discussion and decision making.
• Liaising with your volunteer manager regularly by phone, Teams and email to update them on your progress and discuss tasks.
• Completing a Plantlife online induction prior to starting your volunteering.
• Keeping a note of your volunteer hours and reporting them to your volunteer manager monthly.
• Attending training and development as necessary relevant to your volunteer role.
• Adherence to the Plantlife volunteer agreement, policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Skills / experience / interests required for the role:

• Strong on-line research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written communication and ability to summarise complex information clearly.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Familiarity with the charity or conservation sector is desirable, but not essential.
• Experience with databases or online research tools (e.g., 360Giving, Charity Commission, FundsOnline) is a plus.
• Interest in and natural enthusiasm for conservation, wild plants, and fungi, and an affinity with the aims of Plantlife 
• Access to a computer or laptop and an internet connection will be required for this role.

Time commitment

We would like a volunteer who could spend a minimum of 3 hours per week on their volunteering. This can be done flexibly around other commitments and outside of the usual 9-5 hours.

Expenses

Travel is not expected for this role, however expenses will be reimbursed for any travel we ask you to do based on public transport cost or mileage at Plantlife standard rates for volunteers. Expenses must be agreed in advance with your volunteer manager.