Part-Time Grants Writer / Events

About Making Headway Foundation

Making Headway Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing Care, Comfort, & a Cure to children and families affected by brain and spinal cord tumors. Founded in 1996, Making Headway provides free support services to families, educational advocacy, financial assistance, psychosocial support, hospital programs, scholarships, and funding for research and medical education.

Position Summary

Making Headway Foundation is seeking a highly motivated part-time Foundation Grants Writer to help expand and strengthen the Foundation's institutional fundraising program. The position is hybrid, with 1 day/week in our Chappaqua, NY office, and 2 days remote.

The Grants Writer will be responsible for identifying prospective foundation funders, researching funding opportunities, developing compelling grant proposals, preparing letters of inquiry and applications, coordinating supporting materials, and ensuring timely submission of reports and other grant requirements.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent writer who can translate Making Headway's programs and impact into compelling proposals that demonstrate both the organization's need and its measurable impact on children and families.

Key Responsibilities

Foundation Research & Prospecting

• Research and identify private, family, corporate, and community foundations whose funding priorities align with Making Headway's mission and programs.
• Maintain and regularly update a pipeline of prospective foundation funders.
• Research foundation giving histories, priorities, application requirements, deadlines, and funding ranges.
• Identify new opportunities while cultivating knowledge of existing foundation relationships.

Grant Proposal Development

• Write compelling, customized letters of inquiry, grant proposals, renewal requests, and other funding applications.
• Develop proposals for a variety of Making Headway programs, including family support, educational advocacy, psychosocial services, financial assistance, research, scholarships, and other initiatives.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and program staff to gather program information, outcomes, statistics, budgets, and other materials needed for proposals.
• Develop strong narratives that communicate the organization's mission, impact, accomplishments, and future needs.

Grant Administration & Reporting

• Maintain an organized calendar of application deadlines, reporting requirements, and renewal opportunities.
• Prepare interim and final grant reports in coordination with staff.
• Track grant awards, proposal status, reporting deadlines, and funding opportunities.
• Ensure that proposals and reports are accurate, complete, compelling, and submitted on time.

Events support

• Additional consideration will be given to candidates with experience supporting small-scale fundraising events, including event planning, donor outreach, sponsorship coordination, and event-related fundraising activities.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional grant writing (or similar) experience, preferably with a nonprofit organization.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and research skills.
• Ability to develop persuasive narratives while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Experience with nonprofit programs, fundraising, or the healthcare/social services sector is preferred.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strong writer and researcher who understands how to tell a nonprofit's story in a way that resonates with foundation funders. They should be comfortable working independently, asking thoughtful questions, identifying funding opportunities, and turning program information into persuasive proposals.

Experience working with organizations serving children, families, patients, or individuals facing serious medical challenges is particularly valuable.

Compensation and Time

$35,000-$45,000 per year for a three-day-per-week part-time position, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The position is expected to average approximately 24 hours per week, with some flexibility in scheduling based on grant deadlines and organizational needs.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and detailed cover letter describing your experience, specific interest in this position, and your hourly compensation expectations.

Making Headway Foundation is committed to providing meaningful support to children and families affected by pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors. We welcome applicants who share our commitment to this mission.

TBD