Grant Writer

Who We Are

Unruled Masses is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public-interest intelligence organization focused on exposing corruption, abuse of power, and systemic exploitation—while helping communities peacefully reclaim agency, accountability, and civic life.

We combine rigorous intelligence tradecraft with public-facing analysis and real-world civic action. Our mission is to move beyond exposure: we provide the "industrial-grade" intelligence and the actionable playbooks people need to reconnect, organize, and act together. To scale this mission, we need to secure the institutional and foundational support that allows our research and tools to reach the global stage.

Who You Are

You are a persuasive storyteller with a strategic mind. You understand that funding is the fuel for systemic change, and you take pride in translating complex technical concepts into compelling, high-impact proposals.

You have a track record of identifying opportunities and winning awards, particularly in the nonprofit, human rights, or civic technology spaces. You are disciplined, detail-oriented, and motivated by the idea of building the financial foundation for a movement that dismantles institutional capture.

What You’ll Do

As a Grant Writer, you will:

• Identify Funding Opportunities: Research and qualify grant prospects from foundations, government agencies, and corporate giving programs that align with democracy-building, anti-corruption, and civic tech.
• Develop Winning Proposals: Draft, edit, and polish high-quality grant applications, letters of intent (LOIs), and concept notes that clearly articulate the Unruled Masses mission.
• Manage the Grant Lifecycle: Track deadlines, manage the submission calendar, and ensure all required documentation (budgets, 501(c)(3) status, etc.) is prepared and organized.
• Translate Strategy to Impact: Collaborate with the leadership team to turn our "Intelligence Library" and "Action Playbook" concepts into fundable projects with measurable outcomes.
• Maintain Funder Relations: Assist in drafting impact reports and updates for donors to maintain transparency and strengthen long-term partnerships.

Exceptional volunteers may:

• Develop a comprehensive multi-year fundraising strategy
• Lead "pitch" sessions with foundation program officers
• Mentor junior writers or interns as the development team grows
• Contribute to the strategic framing of the organization’s public-facing "Case for Support"

Grant Focus Areas

We are looking for writers with experience or interest in securing funding for: Democracy & Human Rights; Investigative Journalism; Civic Technology & OSINT; Government Transparency; Social Justice & Community Organizing; Legal Defense & Reform; Information Integrity & Media Literacy.

Ideal Qualifications

• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated experience in grant writing with a history of successful, high-value awards (ideally in the nonprofit sector).
• Exceptional Writing: Ability to write clear, structured, and emotionally resonant prose that meets the rigorous standards of foundation reviewers.
• Analytical Skill: Ability to digest our "industrial-grade" methodology and explain it simply to stakeholders who may not be experts in intelligence or policy.
• Independence: Highly organized and capable of managing multiple submission deadlines simultaneously in a remote environment.
• Education/Experience: Degrees in English, Communications, Public Administration, or related fields are preferred, but a strong portfolio of won grants is the primary requirement.

Compensation & Commitment

This is an unpaid volunteer role. We ask for an ongoing commitment to ensure we can meet grant cycles and submission deadlines. As funding is secured paid positions or contract roles may be offered in the future.

Benefits of Volunteering with Unruled Masses

• Build the Foundation: Play a critical role in the "founding team" by securing the resources that make our mission possible.
• Professional Impact: Add high-profile, "cutting edge" democracy-building projects to your portfolio.
• Flexible & Remote: Work from anywhere with a team that values efficiency and high-level strategy over "busy work."
• Purpose-Driven: See the direct correlation between your writing and the dismantling of institutional corruption.
• Access: Collaborate directly with the leadership, analysts, and organizers who are building the future of civic resistance.