Social Market Foundation
Trustee – Fundraising and Philanthropy - Volunteer
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The Social Market Foundation is seeking to appoint two new trustees to join its Board, with a particular focus on fundraising from philanthropic foundations, high-net-worth individuals and major donors.
What difference will you make?
This is an opportunity to help shape the future of one of Britain’s leading cross-party thinktanks at an important moment for UK public policy. The SMF exists to develop practical, independent and evidence-led policy ideas that help markets and government work together in the public interest. Our work reaches ministers, parliamentarians, officials, business leaders, civil society and the media.
About The Role
The new trustees will bring senior experience, judgement and networks in one or more of the following areas:
- Philanthropic fundraising
- Major donor cultivation and stewardship
- Charitable trusts and foundations
- High-net-worth individual giving
- Fundraising strategy and governance
- Strategic communications with donors and supporters
- Board-level experience in a charity, thinktank, foundation, university, cultural institution, campaign organisation or similar setting
The role is not a paid fundraising post and does not carry a personal income target. Rather, we are looking for trustees who can provide strategic advice, open appropriate doors, strengthen our approach to donor engagement, and support the Director and senior team as the SMF develops its next phase of growth.
What We Offer
This is an opportunity to help shape the financial future of one of the UK’s most respected policy organisations, at a moment when that work matters more than ever.
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As a trustee, you will
- Work alongside an experienced and engaged Board with diverse professional backgrounds
- Play a meaningful role in a genuine strategic challenge – helping the SMF reduce income concentration risk
- Gain insight into the policy and public affairs landscape at the highest level
What We Are Looking For
We are particularly interested in candidates who can bring
- A strong commitment to the SMF’s mission and independence
- Experience of fundraising, philanthropy, wealth management, private client networks, foundations, grant-making, donor engagement or related fields
- Sound judgement and discretion when working with senior stakeholders
- The ability to think strategically about institutional growth and sustainability
- An understanding of the importance of independence, transparency and good governance in policy research
- A willingness to use networks appropriately in support of the charity
- The ability to work collaboratively as part of a cross-party, non-partisan Board
Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential. We are interested in people who can bring relevant expertise, perspective and commitment, whether gained in the charity sector, business, philanthropy, public policy, academia, professional services, finance, communications or public life.
Hybrid
What Trustees Do
As a trustee, you will share responsibility with the rest of the Board for the overall governance and strategic direction of the SMF. This includes:
- Ensuring the SMF pursues its charitable objectives and delivers public benefit
- Safeguarding the SMF’s independence, reputation and values
- Contributing to the development of the organisation’s strategy
- Overseeing financial sustainability, risk and good governance
- Supporting and constructively challenging the Director and senior leadership team
- Ensuring that the SMF complies with its governing document, charity law and relevant regulation
- Acting in the best interests of the charity and managing conflicts of interest appropriately
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In addition, these trustee roles will have a particular focus on helping the SMF to:
- Develop a stronger philanthropic fundraising strategy
- Identify and approach potential supporters, including high-net-worth individuals and foundations
- Refine the case for support for unrestricted and programme funding
- Strengthen donor stewardship and long-term supporter relationships
- Build confidence among philanthropists in the SMF’s independence, rigour and impact
- Diversify income so the organisation is more resilient and able to invest in new areas of work
Time commitment
The expected time commitment is approximately 1–2 days per quarter. This includes preparing for and attending Board meetings, occasional meetings with the Director or senior team, and some engagement between meetings where fundraising or donor development opportunities arise.
Term and remuneration
Trustee roles are voluntary and unpaid. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with SMF policy and UK Charity Commission guidelines.
Appointments are expected to be for an initial three-year term, renewable by agreement.
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