Do you have experience working or volunteering in a frontline-based role in your community, or have lived experience of issues affecting working-class communities? Are you keen to develop your career, getting paid whilst undertaking first-class professional development and having a say on how funding is spent? Do you consider yourself to be from a working-class community? You may like to consider applying for 2027 – but hurry, applications close at midday on 31st March 2021!
What is 2027?
2027 is a 12-month, salaried job and professional development programme, which gives talented people from working class communities the tools to become a leader in grant- giving organisations, creating real change in communities.
At the heart of 2027 is a paid 12-month job at a leading foundation or trust. A grant- giving organisation such as a foundation or trust is a charity that funds individuals or other organisations to run projects that positively impact the community.
As part of the programme, you’ll be employed full time in a grant-giving role, with one of our dynamic host organisations. You’ll deliver brilliant work to improve the communities they serve, whilst receiving a salary over the year of up to £25,000.
Alongside your placement you will take part in the 2027 development programme, through which you will work with each other and the 2027 partners on your own development and leadership in the context of the grant making sector. The programme focuses on the self, the sector and community. It is designed to support you not only to translate all your experience and ability into becoming a good grant maker, but also to help you understand, explore and ultimately be part of changing the funding sector.
This blend of training, networking and on-the-job experience will mean that at the end of the 12-month programme you will have the experience and skills you need to prepare for a decision-making position in a foundation or trust to influence real change in communities.
What does a grant-giver do?
In a grant-giving role, you will manage part of a host organisation's grant portfolio and work to find fantastic new partners for your host organisation to work with. You’ll keep the trustee board updated on the foundation portfolio, make clear and confident funding recommendations, and analyse foundation performance to identify improvements. You will work with your foundation's funder to inspire their employees about the foundation’s work. You will also be responsible for ensuring the foundation meets all relevant legislative and compliance requirements. You will represent the foundation externally and apply learning from outside to your work at the foundation.
Job title: Grants Officer (Job & Development Programme)
Location: You will join one of our host organisations located across the UK. You will tell us your location preferences when you apply.
Hours: Typically 9am – 5pm with some flexibility according to the requirements of your host organisation
Contract: Fixed term, 12 months commencing October 2021
Salary: £23,000 (UK-wide) £25,000 (London)
Who are you looking for?
To apply for 2027 you must meet the following eligibility criteria. Please note that we can make exceptions on a case by case basis. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria but believe we should consider your application please email
Experience: You must have at least 2 years of experience working in the community, in a frontline-based role either in a professional or regular voluntary capacity. This could be for example: as a teaching assistant, nurse practitioner, social worker, PCSO, community worker or any similar role.
Skills: You will have the ability to use basic IT software packages (e.g. Microsoft Office or equivalent).
Competencies: There will be a number of varied roles available with a number of different foundations. That said, there are 8 competencies which we believe are core to you succeeding on the programme. Through our selection process you will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Community and customer focus
- Communicate with impact
- Build positive relationships
- Resilient
- Results driven
- Innovative and entrepreneurial
- Adaptable
- Commitment to personal development
Apply now!
Applications are open now and will close on 31st March 2021.
Apply by visiting 2027.org.uk/