Trustee - Fundraising and Income Generation

Milton Keynes Canals (MK Canals) is looking for a new Trustee to join our experienced Board, with a particular focus on fundraising and income generation. You don't need previous experience as a Trustee to apply. And if becoming a Trustee feels like too big a step right now, we'd still like to talk to you. Lead Volunteer opportunities are also available, with training and support provided. What will you be doing? Alongside the shared responsibilities of the Board, you'll help MK Canals develop sustainable sources of income to support our charitable work. Your particular area of focus will include:

• Helping to develop our fundraising and income generation strategy.
• Identifying opportunities including grants, donations, community fundraising, partnerships and other sources of revenue.
• Helping to build and support a small team of fundraising and income generation volunteers.
• Developing relationships with funders, donors and supporters.
• Monitoring fundraising activity and reporting progress to the Board.
• Helping ensure our fundraising follows appropriate charity regulations and good practice. You'll also contribute to the wider governance and strategic direction of MK Canals alongside your fellow Trustees. Who are we looking for? You don't need to tick every box, and previous Trustee experience isn't required. We're particularly interested in people who have:
• Experience of, or a strong interest in, fundraising and income generation.
• An understanding of good fundraising practice, or a willingness to learn.
• The ability to spot potential funding and income opportunities.
• Good communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to think strategically and creatively.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to contribute ideas. Most importantly, we're looking for someone who shares MK Canals' ambitions and wants to help us build a sustainable future for the charity. Time commitment The Trustee role involves approximately 150 hours per year, including six Board meetings annually, wider governance responsibilities and activity relating to the fundraising and income generation role. Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term. This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses incurred through agreed activities can be reimbursed in accordance with MK Canals' expenses policy. Not ready to become a Trustee? That's absolutely fine. We're also recruiting Lead Volunteers and Volunteers across MK Canals' functions and projects. Becoming a Lead Volunteer can be an opportunity to use your skills, gain experience and get involved with the charity without taking on the responsibilities of trusteeship. Training and support are available for these roles too. Interested? You don't need to make a commitment straight away. We're very happy to start with an informal conversation so you can find out more about MK Canals, what being a Trustee involves, and whether the Trustee or Lead Volunteer route might be right for you. To start the conversation, contact Jane Wolfson, Trustee responsible for Volunteering, at jane.wolfson@mkcanals.org. Milton Keynes Canals (MK Canals) is a registered charity in England and Wales (1208322).