Remote Volunteer Grant Development Associate – SPA 8 Mental Health Equity

Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation (https://hygieiabh.org) is a community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to expanding stigma-free mental health access for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities in Los Angeles County, with a focus on SPA 8 (Long Beach / Lakewood).

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Want real, portfolio-ready grant experience that directly funds mental health access and health equity?

We are seeking a motivated, self-directed Volunteer or Intern to support grant research, writing, and community partnership development. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy learning systems independently with strategic mentorship rather than step-by-step supervision.

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Who This Role Is For

This opportunity is especially well-suited for:

MPH, MSW, MA/MFT, or related graduate students

Pre-licensed MFTs or emerging mental health professionals

Aspiring or early-career grant professionals interested in health equity

No prior grant writing experience is required. Strong research skills, initiative, and follow-through are essential.

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Time commitment: 5–12 hours per week

Location: Fully remote

Schedule: Flexible; weekly 30-minute Zoom check-in for support and feedback

Applicants must be based in California and eligible to volunteer with a U.S. nonprofit.

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Key Responsibilities

Independently researching funding opportunities aligned with SPA 8 (Long Beach/Lakewood) mental health equity work, including:

Local and small foundations

LBUSD and SPSA-aligned partnership opportunities

Corporate sponsors and community funders

Larger state and federal funders

Research will use free tools such as the California Grants Portal, LA County DMH SPA listings, Grants.gov, and other publicly available resources.

Drafting and editing:

Letters of Inquiry (LOIs)

Full grant proposals

SPSA-aligned school partnership requests

Corporate sponsorship and partnership pitches

Conducting outreach to potential partners, including:

Long Beach Unified School District

Local businesses

LGBTQ+ centers and Pride organizations

BIPOC community organizations

Health clinics and affirming faith-based groups

Maintaining a grants and partnerships tracker (prospects, deadlines, submissions, follow-ups)

You will work independently while receiving high-level strategic guidance from our PsyD Clinical Director to learn grant workflows from the ground up.

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What You Gain

Portfolio-ready work samples, including LOIs, grant proposals, and partnership pitches

A detailed letter of recommendation from our PsyD Clinical Director highlighting your initiative, research skills, and grant development experience

Exposure to Los Angeles County mental health funding systems (SPA structure, SPSA, community-based funding)

Networking opportunities within California mental health and nonprofit circles (upon completion of 3+ deliverables)

Nominal volunteer appreciation, which may include:

Gift cards (under $25)

Completion certificate

Mileage reimbursement if applicable

Six-month commitment preferred.

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Application Instructions

Please apply with:

Your resume

A 1-page writing sample (any topic is acceptable)

Your general availability

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Hygieia Behavioral Health Foundation is committed to equity, inclusion, and community-centered care. Applicants with lived experience or strong interest in serving marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.