Grant Writer (Volunteer Role)

Grant Writers (Volunteer Role)

Position Title: Grant Writer (Volunteer)

Reports To: Founder/Director, Grants and Partnerships Manager

Commitment: 5–10 hours/week

Duration: 12 Months

Location: Remote

Role Summary

The Smile Outreach is seeking skilled Grant Writer Volunteers to support our resource mobilization efforts. This is a unique opportunity to develop your grant writing expertise while contributing to an organization making tangible impact in adolescent protection, menstrual equity, and youth empowerment across Africa.

As a Grant Writer Volunteer, you will work alongside our Grants and Partnerships Manager to research funding opportunities, draft compelling proposals, and help secure the resources needed to scale our programs. Your words will directly translate into expanded reach for initiatives like Bold Spaces, The Good Cycle, Voices Against Violence, and the Outreach Youth Lab.

We are recruiting multiple Grant Writer Volunteers to support our 2026 funding pipeline across various grant tiers and donor types.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Prospecting & Research

• Research and identify new grant opportunities aligned with The Smile Outreach’s thematic areas and projects.
• Maintain a calendar of grant deadlines and submission timelines.

Proposal Writing & Submission

• Draft, edit, and submit well-crafted grant applications, letters of interest, and funding proposals.
• Tailor proposals to donor priorities while aligning with The Smile Outreach’s strategic objectives.
• Ensure all application guidelines, deadlines, and formatting requirements are met.

Reporting & Documentation

• Support in drafting grant reports for existing funders, highlighting impact, outcomes, and lessons learned.
• Collaborate with program leads to gather data, stories, and metrics needed for reporting.

Strategic Support

• Assist in building reusable proposal templates and funder communication materials.
• Contribute to donor mapping and partnership outreach strategies.

Collaborative Work

• Attend periodic strategy check-ins with the Executive Director and other team members.
• Participate in cross-functional brainstorming and visioning sessions.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in development studies, communications, nonprofit management, public health, gender studies, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 1 year experience in grant writing, development communications, or fundraising (volunteer or professional).
• Excellent written communication, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Research-savvy and able to synthesize information into compelling narratives.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines independently.
• Familiarity with issues related to gender equity, SRHR, menstrual health, or youth advocacy is a strong advantage.
• Experience with donor databases, CRMs, or project management tools is a plus.

Core Competencies

• Commitment to The Smile Outreach’s mission, values, and feminist ethos.
• Passionate about equity, education, and youth development.
• Collaborative spirit with the confidence to work independently.
• Integrity, attention to detail, and a results-driven mindset.

Disclaimer

This is a volunteer role with a minimum commitment of 5–10 hours per week for a 12-month period.

Volunteers in this position may be considered for a part-time paid opportunity based on performance and funding availability.

Women are especially encouraged to apply, as we are a 90% women-led team committed to supporting women across Africa.

What We Offer

• Flexible, remote working arrangements.
• Opportunity to be part of a dynamic, women-led nonprofit creating transformative change.
• Recognition and references for high-performing volunteers.
• Potential for growth into a part-time paid role (funding dependent).
• The opportunity to contribute to award-winning programs such as The Good Cycle Initiative, Bold Spaces, and The Period Dictionary.

How to Apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

All applications should be sent using the details here: https://tinyurl.com/tsovolunteergrantwriter