Grant Writer

Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois (MWNEI) is seeking a part-time Grant Writer to oversee and manage all foundation, corporate, and government grants for the organization. MWNEI manages a diverse portfolio of foundation, corporate, and government grants totaling approximately $250,000 annually, with opportunity to further develop. This role plays a critical part in supporting the organization’s growth by managing the full grants lifecycle, including researching opportunities, writing proposals and reports, ensuring compliance, managing grant records and deadlines, and building strong relationships with funders and grant monitors. Ideal for a strong mid-level grants professional who is looking to deepen their experience managing a full grants portfolio, including government grants, while growing into increased strategic responsibility over time, this role is reports directly to the Director of Development.

Key Responsibilities

• • Identify foundation, corporate, and government prospects aligned with MWNEI’s mission and programs.
  • Draft, edit, and submit high‑quality letters of inquiry, full proposals, and renewal applications.
  • Maintain updated organizational boilerplate, program descriptions, budgets, and attachments.
  • Track deadlines, submission dates, reporting requirements, and award cycles on a grant calendar.
  • Draft narrative and financial reports in collaboration with program and finance staff.
  • Maintain accurate records of submissions, outcomes, and funder communications.
  • Work with the Executive Director, Director of Development, and Finance team to gather data, stories, and budget details needed for proposals.
  • Assist with funder updates, thank‑you letters, and follow‑up materials, with occasional relationship management calls and/or visits.

Minimum Requirements/Experience:

• • 2–5 years of grant writing experience, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
  • Demonstrated success in securing foundation or corporate grants.
  • Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
  • Ability to translate program data into compelling narratives.
  • Familiarity with nonprofit budgets and basic financial concepts.
  • Excellent organization and time‑management skills; able to manage multiple deadlines.
  • Comfort working independently and proactively.
  • Experience with Google Workspace; familiarity with CRM systems a plus.
  • Knowledge of aging services, food access, or community‑based programs is helpful but not required.

A part time position at MWNEI receives these benefits:

WFH policy

Generous PTO policy

Professional development opportunities

Proficient in writing and speaking English is required. Other language proficiencies are appreciated.