Urgent Need: Volunteer to Hire Grant Writer

Job Title: Grant Writer (Volunteer, Remote, Urgent Need) Company Description: Since 1994, FOCUS On Communities United for Success has been addressing the personal and educational needs of challenged communities in the greater Baltimore, Maryland, area, with a particular emphasis on IT. We are dedicated to helping disadvantaged individuals achieve social and economic stability through business and job skills training in the rapidly expanding fields of IT and Cybersecurity. Role Description: We are urgently seeking a volunteer Grant Writer to join our mission-driven team. This role is vital for identifying, securing, and managing the funding necessary to sustain and grow our community initiatives. The Grant Writer will lead the research, development, and submission of grant proposals, while ensuring alignment with funder requirements and organizational priorities. They will also collaborate closely with leadership to strategically pursue diverse funding opportunities, including government grants, foundation support, and corporate sponsorships. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled grant writer who thrives in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment and is passionate about empowering underserved communities. Key Responsibilities: Grant Research & Prospecting: Conduct detailed research to identify prospective funders, including government agencies, foundations, and corporations. Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of potential funding opportunities. Monitor grant opportunities, funding trends, and policy changes relevant to the organization’s mission. Grant Proposal Writing: Write clear, compelling, and well-researched grant proposals tailored to the specific priorities of funders. Develop high-quality narratives that effectively communicate the organization’s mission, vision, and impact. Create detailed, realistic budgets and align them with grant requirements. Grant Administration & Management: Oversee the grant application process, including managing timelines, submissions, and follow-ups. Maintain accurate and organized records of all grant-related documents and correspondence. Prepare and submit progress and final reports for awarded grants in compliance with funder requirements. Fundraising & Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with leadership to identify new fundraising strategies that complement grant efforts. Build relationships with potential funders through consistent communication and engagement. Represent the organization at virtual events and networking opportunities as needed. Impact Measurement & Storytelling: Gather data, testimonials, and success stories from program staff to highlight the impact of initiatives. Use qualitative and quantitative evidence to enhance proposals and reports. Employ creative storytelling to humanize the organization’s mission and increase funding appeal. Collaboration & Strategic Planning: Work closely with the COO and CTO to align funding priorities with organizational needs. Provide input on long-term funding strategies and revenue diversification efforts. Required Skills and Qualifications: Technical Grant Writing Skills: Proven ability to craft persuasive, high-quality grant proposals with clear and actionable objectives. Strong knowledge of grant writing industry standards, including logic models, SMART objectives, and outcomes-based frameworks. Research and Analytical Skills: Demonstrated experience in prospect research to identify relevant grant opportunities. Strong analytical skills to interpret funder guidelines and align them with organizational goals. Project Management: Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple grant applications and deadlines simultaneously. Strong attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines under minimal supervision. Communication and Storytelling: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Expertise in crafting narratives that are engaging, concise, and aligned with the needs of funders. Collaboration and Adaptability: Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including leadership, program staff, and finance. Flexible and adaptive, with a willingness to take on additional responsibilities as needed. Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with grant management software, databases, and tools (e.g., Foundation Directory Online, Grants.gov). Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and project management tools. Preferred Experience: Previous experience writing grants for non-profits focused on workforce development, education, or community empowerment. Knowledge of the unique challenges facing underserved communities, particularly in Baltimore, Maryland. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., English, Communications, Non-Profit Management) or equivalent experience. Why Join Us? Immediate Impact: Your contributions will directly support initiatives that empower underserved communities in Baltimore and beyond. Flexible, Remote Role: Work from anywhere while making a meaningful difference. Collaborative Team: Join a passionate group dedicated to fostering systemic change and creating opportunities for marginalized populations. How to Apply: Submit your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample showcasing your grant writing or storytelling abilities to hrfocusorg.org. We need your expertise now—help us secure the funding needed to transform lives and build stronger communities