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Jobs and volunteering opportunities

Fundraising Lead

Mainspring Arts are seeking an experienced Fundraising Lead to help us grow and sustain our programme.

In this part-time freelance role, the Fundraising Lead will develop our fundraising strategy, research and write funding bids, and identify new potential sources of income. 


The Fundraising Lead will join the team at an exciting time as we expand our local and national programmes, explore new ways of working, and grow our organisation and community. 


During the period of this contract Mainspring Arts will be exploring adopting a non-hierarchical organisational structure, based on collective decision making and shared responsibility. We are hoping to hear from candidates who are interested in this ethos, and are keen to be a member of the team on an ongoing basis (subject to funding).


As an organisation that champions neurodiversity, we strongly encourage neurodivergent people to apply, as well as people from other communities that are underrepresented in the creative sector. This includes (but is not limited to) people from the global majority, disabled, working class, migrant and LGBTQIA+ communities.


We’re looking for someone who:

  • has a strong track record of writing successful funding bids

  • has excellent knowledge of the arts and culture funding landscape

  • can write persuasively and creatively

  • is committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion

  • has a good understanding of neurodiversity and access

  • has experience of researching funding opportunities

  • has experience of developing and managing a fundraising strategy

  • has thorough and analytical research skills

  • is proactive, positive, and able to work on their own initiative

The role

Working closely with our Director, team and Board of Trustees, the Fundraising Lead will have the following responsibilities:

  • develop and initiate a fundraising strategy for the next year and onwards

  • research new potential sources of funding/support

  • write and submit relevant funding bids with a view to sustaining our programme

  • build on relationships with existing funders

  • contribute to ensuring that accessibility is at the heart of all activity

  • contribute to cultivating equity, diversity and inclusion for everyone within the organisation and its community

This role could be remote or hybrid, but it would be beneficial if the Fundraising Lead is based within travelling distance of Lancaster. If based nearby, the Fundraising Lead will have the option to work from our co-working space in Lancaster.

Who we are

Founded in 2015, Mainspring Arts is a neurodivergent and artist-led organisation that co-creates supportive neurodivergent spaces and communities that empower, uplift and nurture through creativity.

We work closely with neurodivergent (ND) creatives, supporting them to develop their practice. We provide platforms for ND creatives to make and share work, and opportunities for ND people to meet, collaborate and find community.

We are committed to ensuring ND people are represented at all levels within our organisation. All our programmes are designed and led by ND practitioners, and co-created with ND participants. We ensure that at least 50% of our trustees are ND (currently 75%).

In 2022 we moved our base to Lancaster, and are currently growing our programme of local activity alongside our national work. We have a small freelance core team and a growing pool of freelance practitioners who lead and deliver our programmes.

Terms & Conditions 

  • Contract type: Freelance, 7 months (December 2025 - July 2026). We have funding in place for this period - however, our aim is that the role will continue beyond this (subject to securing additional funding).

  • Hours: 16 days worked flexibly over 7 months.

  • Place of work: Remote/hybrid, or at our shared office in Lancaster.

  • Fee: £200 per day (£3,200 in total)

Access support and an access budget will be available.

How to apply

To apply, please email hello@mainspringarts.org.uk with:

  • your CV

  • a cover letter explaining your interest in the role, and how you think you meet the criteria

You are welcome to submit your CV and cover letter in other ways (e.g. video or audio) or request this information in different formats. 

Application deadline: 10am on Wednesday 19th November 2025

Please email hello@mainspringarts.org.uk if you would like to discuss how we can make this process more accessible, or if you would like support with the application.

Interviews will be held online on Zoom. If selected for an interview we will ask you about your access needs, and aim to make the interview process as accessible as possible.

Timeline

  • Wed 19th November, 10am: Application deadline

  • Fri 21st November: Shortlisted applicants invited to interview; other applicants notified of outcome

  • Fri 28th November: Interviews (on Zoom)

  • Wed 3rd December: All interview candidates notified of outcome

  • Early December: Role begins (date agreed with selected candidate)