Ironbridge Coracle Trust is a small, registered CIO (Charity No. 1161685) focused on telling the story of the Ironbridge Coracle and its relevance to the wonderful World Heritage Site of the Ironbridge Gorge. The Trust was established in 2015 and now has a strong core of 8 Trustees with varying skills that they bring to the board.
In 2019 the Trust was successful in securing National Lottery Heritage Funding and the project will be completed by the end of October 2022. The project has enabled the Trust to restore the Old Coracle Shed, create a Coracle Man Sculpture, and a New Shed which is now a visitor attraction telling the story of Coracles in Ironbridge, and run a varied programme of community focused events.
As the project comes to an end, we need to look at sustainability of the Trust without the financial support of the Heritage Fund. This can only be achieved by growing our fundraising. Therefore, we are looking a new Trustee with Charity or Heritage Sector Fundraising experience to ensure our resilience post project.
The Role of the Trustee
Ironbridge Coracle Trustees share ultimate responsibility for governing the charity and directing how it is managed and run.
As a Trustee you will help develop and set the strategic aims, objectives, and direction of the charity. The skills and knowledge you bring will enhance the Board and support the Trust.
There is a core of Trustees who are very active in the delivery of events and organisational tasks, whilst others play a more strategic and guiding role. All have something to offer the Trust.
Summary of Role: Ironbridge Coracle Trust (the Trust) is looking to appoint a new trustee with a professional background in charity fundraising to join Ironbridge Coracle’s Board of Trustees
Commitment: Flexible, initially we envisage more hours to help set up a fundraising strategy, but after this it may only take a few hours a month.
Fundraising Strategy
Once the project finishes at the end of October 22 the Trust will have no paid staff. The Trust is currently clarifying its liabilities and developing a business plan for post project. The annual running costs are in the region of £7.5k- £10K with additional funding needing to be secured for discrete projects.
The Trust currently fundraises through a ‘mixed economy’ approach
- Sales of merchandise- (currently very limited)
- Sponsorship/ support from a local business
- Donations
- Events and activities including the annual Ironbridge Coracle Regatta
- Grants: four of the Trustees have experience in writing funding bids and as a small charity the Trust has been successful in raising funds this way.
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