Fundraising Manager

KLABU aims to unlock access to sport for over two million refugees by 2050 through its clubhouses in refugee camps and cities worldwide. The Foundation thrives on grants and donations as well as KLABU sportswear sales. The Fundraising Manager plays a crucial role in achieving the organization’s mission by identifying and pursuing opportunities for grants from foundations, governments, and corporate sponsors.

About KLABU

There have never been more refugees in the world than today. Escaping from war and persecution, refugees leave everything behind: relatives and friends, their belongings, their country. They find safety abroad but that is often about all. Many are traumatized. Many have to live in harsh conditions, in urban slums or refugee camps where there is no secondary education and where they depend on aid as paid jobs are often not accessible for them. Solutions can take years, meanwhile refugees sit idle, frustration sets in and human potential is wasted. No wonder that some try to move on to other countries.

Even though sports cannot solve all these problems, they can make a big difference in the lives of refugees rebuilding their lives away from home. But in refugee camps, sports initiatives, if any, are one-off and sporadic. Donated materials are often not looked after, can be sold or are not suitable to the tough conditions in a camp. Sports programs end when instructors leave the camp or sponsors simply lose interest.

KLABU provides a long-term solution for young refugees and locals to play sports and reconnect with feelings of relief, pride, and joy, even in the most challenging circumstances. Through smartly designed clubhouses, KLABU unlocks access to sports equipment on the basis of an effective library system, run by local refugee communities. They are engaged from the very beginning and are in charge of the day-to-day management of their clubhouse: it’s their KLABU! This way, communities are strengthened and opportunities arise. This goes further than access to sports: KLABU clubhouses’ reliable solar power and Wi-Fi connectivity give people the tools to study, work and build a brighter future.

Since its launch in 2019, fueled by the early success of its first clubhouses in refugee camps around the world, year after year, KLABU is doubling its turnover and expanding its impact. By 2050, the Amsterdam-based organization aims to unlock access to sports for over two million refugees by actively running more than three hundred KLABU sports clubhouses.

“We are people with dreams, we are people with goals, we are people who want to achieve something in life.” – Lillian, from Ethiopia, member of the KLABU clubhouse in the Kalobeyei refugee settlement in Kenya

To expand its impact, KLABU works with exceptional partners such as the  architecture firm MVRDV for the design of the clubhouses and with Wieden+Kennedy on their brand strategy and campaigns. Football club Paris Saint-Germain joined KLABU to fund the clubhouse in Bangladesh and recently launched an exclusive KLABU x PSG jersey linked to the clubhouse.

The KLABU Foundation funds its clubhouse projects through grants from charity funds, corporations, governments, and individuals. In addition, KLABU also runs a social enterprise selling colorful sports kits linked to the clubhouses.

Job description: Fundraising Manager

The Fundraising Manager fulfils an essential role in KLABU’s strategy, funding the clubhouses and organization by identifying and pursuing new opportunities for grants from foundations, governments, and corporate sponsors. They proactively research funding opportunities and write compelling grant applications, tailored to the specific requirements of the funders. Their ability to bring a compelling narrative to life in their writing helps to clearly communicate KLABU’s vision, mission, and impact. The Fundraising Manager also oversees grant compliance and reporting and cultivates strong relationships with new and existing funders.

As part of KLABU’s small and fast-growing team in the center of Amsterdam, the Fundraising Manager reports to the Program Director. They collaborate with an international, diverse group of highly motivated and ambitious people and can join the free weekly workouts at the KLABU clubhouse in Amsterdam. Travel to other clubhouses around the world is a possibility.

“More important than prior experience is the ability to get the mission of KLABU across to potential partners, funds, and donors. Our Fundraising Manager is passionate about getting results using their communication, organizational, and research skills.” – Jan van Hövell, Director and Founder

This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding communicator who is passionate about KLABU’s mission and eager to contribute to the organization’s impact. Highly organized with excellent time management skills, they manage multiple grant applications, reporting requirements, and stakeholder relationships. The Fundraising Manager is proactive, adaptable, and results-oriented to capitalize on opportunities that help KLABU create greater impact for more refugees.

Interested?

KLABU is working with Top of Minds to fill this vacancy.
To express your interest, please contact Emily Olij at emily.olij@topofminds.com.