Grant Writing Specialist (Volunteer)
About Blind Professionals Network (BPN)
Blind Professionals Network (BPN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to equipping blind and visually impaired (BVI) individuals with the comprehensive skills and knowledge needed to thrive professionally. We provide free career development, specialized assistive technology training, entrepreneur support, and a vital peer network to empower our members to achieve their career and financial goals.
Position Summary
The Grant Writing Specialist is a specialized volunteer role responsible for securing institutional funding through high-quality grant proposals. This individual will research grant opportunities, draft compelling narratives, and manage the submission process for private foundations, corporate giving programs, and government agencies. This role is critical for scaling BPN’s programs and requires a blend of creative storytelling and technical precision.
Key Responsibilities
Grant Research & Strategy:
- Prospect Identification: Use online databases and networks to identify new foundation, corporate, and government grant opportunities that align with BPN’s mission.
- Eligibility Assessment: Review grant guidelines and Request for Proposals (RFPs) to determine if BPN meets the criteria before initiating the application process.
- Grant Calendar Management: Maintain a master calendar of application deadlines, reporting requirements, and internal milestones.
Proposal Development:
- Narrative Drafting: Write clear, persuasive, and evidence-based grant proposals, including executive summaries, statements of need, and program descriptions.
- Budget Collaboration: Partner with the Finance team to ensure program budgets accurately reflect the funding requested.
- Document Compilation: Gather and organize all required attachments, such as 501(c)(3) letters, board lists, financial statements, and letters of support.
Post-Award & Reporting:
- Impact Reporting: Draft progress reports for current funders to demonstrate how their investment has impacted the lives of BVI professionals.
- Stewardship: Assist in maintaining positive relationships with foundation program officers through timely updates and acknowledgments.
- Data Tracking: Ensure all submitted proposals and donor feedback are archived systematically for future reference.
Qualifications
- Writing Excellence: Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to synthesize complex program information into a concise narrative.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to following strict application guidelines and meeting firm deadlines.
- Research Proficiency: Strong ability to navigate grant databases and interpret financial or eligibility requirements.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to understand and communicate data, metrics, and outcomes effectively.
- Tech Savvy: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Google Workspace (Docs/Sheets) and comfortable using various online grant portal submission systems.
- Mission Alignment: A deep commitment to the empowerment and professional advancement of the blind and visually impaired community.
Reporting Structure
This position reports to the Finance Director.
Time Commitment
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Application
If you believe this position aligns with your skills, experience and career goals, please follow these steps to begin the application process:
- Submit Your Credentials: Send your resume and a letter of interest to Training@BlindProNet.org. In your letter, please detail your relevant professional experience and your specific motivation for joining the Blind Professionals Network Team.
- Complete the Interest Form: After submitting your application, finalize your application by completing the BPN Volunteer Application.
Important Note: Completing both of these steps is essential to initiate our onboarding process and helps us ensure a mutually beneficial placement within the organization.