Fundraising Manager (Trusts, Foundations, Corporates & Major Donors)

Shape the Future of a Unique Regimental Museum

HorsePower, the Museum of The King s Royal Hussars, is embarking on an ambitious transformation. We are developing a bold new Museum of the Future that will reinterpret over 300 years of regimental history through engaging, modern and interactive displays.

We are now seeking an experienced, motivated Fundraising Manager to play a pivotal role in raising £100,000 by mid-2027 to fund the redesign phase and to help establish strong, sustainable fundraising practice for the museum s next chapter. This is an exciting opportunity for a fundraiser who wants real ownership, influence and the chance to make visible impact in a small but ambitious heritage organisation.

About HorsePower

Located at Peninsula Barracks, Winchester, HorsePower tells the story of The King s Royal Hussars from 1715 to the present day, spanning India, Waterloo, the World Wars and modern conflict. The museum holds a fascinating collection and unique archives and is now launching a five-year strategic plan to become one of the most vibrant and accessible small military museums in the South of England.

The Role

This is a new role with scope to shape both strategy and delivery. You will lead on trusts, foundations, corporates and major donors, working closely with the Fundraising Trustee and Curator to:

• Build and manage a strong pipeline of funding opportunities.
• Write compelling grant applications and major funding proposals.
• Cultivate relationships with individual and corporate supporters.
• Put in place effective fundraising systems, processes and reporting.
• Develop long-term relationships for future capital funding appeals.

You will be confident working independently, comfortable in a small organisation and motivated by building something with lasting value.

Key Responsibilities

• Audit current fundraising activity, supporters and data
• Research, develop and submit high-quality trust and foundation applications
• Identify and cultivate prospective major donors and corporate partners
• Support stewardship, recognition and donor communications
• Maintain accurate CRM records and GDPR-compliant processes
• Produce concise monthly progress reports for trustees

About you Essential. You will bring:

• At least three years successful fundraising experience (trusts, foundations, major donors and/or corporate partnerships)
• A strong track record of securing significant gifts and grants, ideally within culture, heritage or the wider nonprofit sector
• Excellent written and numeracy skills and experience of crafting persuasive funding proposals
• Confidence building relationships with funders, trustees and senior stakeholders
• Highly organised working practices and strong attention to detail

Desirable - Experience in museums or heritage, an interest in military history, and a creative, entrepreneurial approach to income generation.

Why join us?

• A rare opportunity to shape a museum redevelopment from the ground up
• Flexible working in a supportive, purpose-driven organisation
• A high-impact role where your work will directly influence the museum s future

Applications: Interested applicants are requested to submit a short covering letter or email stating why they are suitable for the role, a CV and two references.

Closing date: 25 March 2026

Interviews: Late March/early April (online first round, final stage in Winchester)

We may close early if sufficient strong applications are received.

HorsePower is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We also welcome applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate relevant transferable skills and experience gained through work, study, volunteering or other life experience.