Contract Grant Writer
Time Commitment: Flexible Hourly, As-Needed
Compensation: $60 per hour
The Organization
Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland is a Black LGBTQ+-led, multiracial social justice organization that advances justice for Black LGBTQ+ people across Chicagoland through empowerment, education, and entertainment. Since LF’s founding in July 2019, we have forged collaborations with 25 partner organizations, planned over 100 events with 4,000 participants, and launched the nation’s first Black Queer Equity Index (BQEI). LF is a small but rapidly growing organization poised for growth over the next year.
The Role
The Contract Grant Writer (GW) is a critical team member responsible for helping to secure grant funding, which supports approximately 95% of the general operating budget. We aim to hire 2-3 Grant Writers to form a grant writing team in which folks will be first writers and provide second and third reviews for one another.
The grant writing team will collaboratively manage a robust portfolio of existing and potential funding sources alongside program and finance staff, requiring a solid combination of skills in grant writing, time management, organization, detail-oriented, documentation, communication, and teamwork.
Responsibilities
Track, write, and submit compelling applications for government and/or foundation funding opportunities
Track, write, and submit progress and final reports in a timely manner, including compiling necessary information from program and finance staff.
Develop an exceptional working understanding of our programs, data, funding priorities, and strategic plans to use in grant submissions and reports.
Research target foundations’ grants, awarded amounts, guidelines, and deadlines.
Ensure timely entry of opportunities, actions, meetings, and other relevant information and communications.
Ability to work with a diverse and multidisciplinary team
Participate in regular meetings
Requirements
Passionate commitment to Lighthouse Foundation’s mission, vision, and strategic direction.
At least 2-4 years of proven success with grant writing with a strong understanding and experience in managing a range of responsibilities.
Familiarity with Monday.com.
Familiarity with Chicago and Illinois-based funders.
Demonstrated knowledge of nonprofit organizational budgeting and creation of grant proposals and report budgets for foundations and/or government entities.
Working knowledge of prospect research methods for institutional donors.
Ability to work in partnership with others to complete assigned projects; experience in effectively collaborating with remote colleagues desirable.
Ability to thrive in a creative, dynamic, deadline-driven environment with humor and flexibility.
How to Apply
Please send a resume, cover letter, and grant sample for this position to jobs@lightfoundchi.org. The deadline to apply is March 19th, with special consideration given to applicants who apply sooner. Black LGBTQ+ applicants are encouraged to apply. Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland is an equal opportunity employer; all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
