Parents2Parents (P2P) Fundraising & Business Grant Advocate

About Parents2Parents (P2P) Community Support Group:

The Parents2Parents (P2P) Community Support Group, a core initiative of Future Leaders Initiative SL's Pens Up Canes Down educational project, is committed to empowering parents, particularly women, in various communities and villages to raise their voices against all forms of violence against children (VAC). Understanding that VAC is often deeply rooted in cultural practices, P2P uses a multi-faceted approach that includes health partnerships, educational workshops, and, importantly, financial empowerment for parents, with a focus on uplifting women's economic stability.

P2P aims to uphold children’s dignity by equipping parents, especially mothers, with the tools and resources necessary to create safe, supportive, and respectful environments for their children. Through education and empowerment, P2P helps women develop entrepreneurial skills and access mini-business grants, enabling them to improve their financial independence. This financial support not only helps mothers provide for their children but also breaks the cycle of poverty, which is a significant factor in reducing children’s vulnerability to violence.

P2P’s overarching mission is to foster community-wide engagement in the fight against VAC, ensuring that mothers and caregivers are empowered to create environments where children's dignity is a priority. By supporting women’s financial empowerment, P2P plays a vital role in strengthening families, supporting gender equality, and building a better future for both women and children.

Role Overview:

The Parents2Parents (P2P) Fundraising & Business Grant Advocate will lead efforts to raise funds and source grants to support mini-business grants for parents in the P2P community. This position is vital in empowering P2P members to become financially independent, thus reducing the impact of violence and improving their children’s well-being.

This role is suited for someone with experience in fundraising, grant writing, and a passion for economic empowerment, especially for mothers and caregivers in vulnerable communities.

Key Responsibilities:

a. Fundraising Campaigns:

• Develop and execute fundraising strategies to support mini-business grants for parents in the P2P community.
• Organize online and offline fundraising events, including campaigns, drives, and donor engagements.
• Identify and engage potential donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, to secure funding for P2P initiatives.

b. Grant Research and Application:

• Research and identify local and international funding opportunities, including grants and corporate partnerships.
• Write compelling grant proposals and applications that align with P2P’s objectives, focusing on business empowerment and family well-being.
• Work with the P2P team to ensure all grant applications are submitted timely and accurately.

c. Business Grant Management:

• Oversee the mini-business grant application process and ensure that funds are distributed according to P2P’s mission.
• Provide mentorship to parents receiving grants, offering support to help them develop and sustain their businesses.
• Monitor the impact of business grants, collecting data and creating reports for donors and stakeholders.

d. Building Partnerships:

• Foster and maintain relationships with corporate partners, foundations, and local businesses to secure in-kind donations or direct financial support for P2P programs.
• Explore new funding opportunities including crowdfunding and corporate sponsorships.

e. Community Engagement:

• Engage with the P2P community to raise awareness about available business grants and how they can support families.
• Collaborate with other child and family support organizations to broaden the reach of P2P’s funding and grant initiatives.
• Host workshops and training sessions for parents on how to apply for and manage business grants effectively.

f. Reporting & Transparency:

• Provide regular reports on the progress of fundraising, grant distribution, and the success of the mini-business grants.
• Ensure transparency in funds management and assess the effectiveness of grants in improving family stability.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and fund management, particularly for community or family-oriented projects.
• Strong communication skills for engaging with donors, writing proposals, and presenting ideas effectively.
• Experience in economic empowerment programs or microfinance initiatives.
• Ability to build partnerships with corporations, foundations, and local businesses.
• Project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of entrepreneurship and how it can support low-income communities.
• Fluency in English (both written and verbal) is essential.
• Passion for economic empowerment, children’s rights, and family support.

Benefits of Volunteering:

• Make a tangible impact by empowering parents to build businesses and achieve financial stability, thereby improving their children’s futures.
• Gain valuable experience in fundraising, grant writing, and community engagement.
• Develop leadership and entrepreneurship skills while supporting an initiative that promotes economic empowerment and child protection.
• Work remotely with a passionate team, while making a significant difference in the lives of families across Sierra Leone.
• Learn about community development, fundraising strategies, and how to foster global partnerships for sustainable change.