Grants Research Specialist

Short-Term Engagement (Advertisement / Scope of Work)

Organization: Ember Rising Foundation

Classification: Independent Contractor or Volunteer (as applicable)

Reports to: President

Engagement Overview

Ember Rising is seeking a short-term Grant Research Partner (Grants Specialist) to support the development of a sustainable funding pipeline. This engagement is focused exclusively on grant research and prospect identification aligned with Ember Rising’s mission of youth empowerment, life skills education, and community-based programming.

This role does not include grant writing, application submission, or funder communications.

Scope of Services

The Grant Research Partner will provide the following services:

Identify public and private grant opportunities aligned with Ember Rising’s mission and programs

Review eligibility requirements, funding priorities, award ranges, and deadlines

Assess basic programmatic fit and anticipated competitiveness

Compile a structured grant prospect list suitable for internal planning and submission preparation

The Grant Research Partner will not:

Draft, edit, or submit grant applications

Represent Ember Rising in communications with funders

Make funding guarantees or representations regarding award outcomes

Perform fundraising solicitation activities

Deliverables

At the conclusion of the engagement, the Grant Research Partner will deliver:

A curated list of approximately 10–20 grant opportunities, provided in spreadsheet or document format

Each entry will include, where available:

Funder name

Grant or funding opportunity name

Estimated award amount or range

Application deadline(s)

Eligibility criteria

Program alignment notes

Required materials or prerequisites

Deliverables are informational in nature and intended to support Ember Rising’s internal decision-making.

Time Commitment

The anticipated time commitment is approximately 5–10 hours per week for the duration of the engagement. The engagement is time-limited and will conclude upon delivery of agreed-upon deliverables unless otherwise extended in writing.

Compensation & Success Recognition

At this stage, Ember Rising is unable to offer full grant development compensation. However, the organization is committed to transparency and ethical recognition of early-stage capacity-building support.

This engagement will be volunteer-based.

Ember Rising will provide a fixed success recognition payment, capped per grant awarded, as organizational capacity support.

Success Recognition Schedule (Maximums)

Grants of $10,000 or more:

Up to $500 per awarded grant

Grants of $5,000–$9,999:

Up to $250 per awarded grant

Grants under $5,000:

Up to $100 per awarded grant

Success recognition payments:

Are not commissions, percentages, or contingency fees

Are not tied to grant writing or submission activities

Reflect organizational growth rather than individual performance

Are payable only after funds are formally awarded to Ember Rising

Are not guaranteed and remain subject to funding outcomes outside the control of the Grant Research Partner

Professional Standards

This engagement is structured to align with nonprofit fundraising and grant-seeking ethical standards. Funding decisions are made solely by grantmakers, and Ember Rising makes no representations or guarantees regarding award outcomes.

Future Engagements

Subject to funding availability and organizational needs, Ember Rising may consider future paid development or grant writing engagements. No future work is implied or guaranteed under this engagement.

How to Apply:

Interested individuals may submit a brief statement of interest and relevant experience to:

📧 jack@ember-rising.org