INTERNSHIP: Grants Associate, unpaid

Deborah’s Place
Volunteer Job Description

Title: Grants Associate

Reports to: Grants & Contracts Manager
Department Function: The primary goal of the Development Department is to contribute to the financial stability and visibility of Deborah’s Place, with a focus on external relations and generating revenue required to maintain a high level of quality services for women who have experienced homelessness. Department functions include: individual giving; corporate, foundation, religious and civic fundraising; government grants and contracts; volunteer management; data management; special events; in-kind contributions; and public relations.
General Job Description: This position supports the Development Team in preparing proposals and reports to meet funder requirements; identifying and researching new sources of funding; analyzing data and research for inclusion in proposals and external relations materials; and other responsibilities related to external relations and revenue generation for the organization.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

1) Grant Proposals and Reports
a) Draft content for proposals, cover letters, and reports
b) Collect, analyze and summarize program data to describe agency functions, programs, and outcomes
c) Maintain organized grant records, including tracking of correspondence through Raiser’s Edge
d) Collect, organize, and summarize research on homelessness, issues affecting target population, and related topics for inclusion in proposals and external relations materials

2) Prospect Research
a) Identify and assess new opportunities for government, corporate, and foundation funding
b) Review periodicals and regularly visit Donors Forum and Internet sites to identify and research new funding sources
c) Assist with identifying the unmet needs of women participating in agency programs and seeking appropriate funding to address such needs

3) Evaluation
a) Assist with streamlining the agency’s evaluation systems and data collection/dissemination processes to ensure accurate and timely information is collected, analyzed, and presented to funders, partners, programs, and other internal and external stakeholders
b) Assist with data entry as needed

4) Other
a) Actively participate in and contribute to weekly team meetings
b) Attend special events, bidders’ conferences, and trainings as required for information gathering, stewardship, and skills development
c) Uphold values of Deborah’s Place and of the social work profession while practicing ethical decision-making in all aspects of work
d) As needed, assist with additional communications and fundraising efforts, including but not limited to: special events, agency publications, donor engagement, and other duties related to the function of the department

Qualifications and Requirements

Education: Pursuing graduate degree in social work. Concentration in nonprofit management or leadership preferred.
Job Experience: Experience working in a social service organization; prior grantwriting and/or fundraising experience a plus.
Special Knowledge & Skills: Excellent communication and analytical skills; word processing skills; experience with databases and research; passion for the mission of Deborah’s Place

Hours and Compensation
Compensation: This position is unpaid. We will work with your school to provide course credit or community service hours if desired. We will also provide you with a letter of recommendation upon completion of your service.
Hours: This position works 2-3 days each week at our administrative offices, 2822 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612. For your benefit and ours, a signed commitment agreement of minimum 3 months is required.

Prepared by: Grants & Contracts Manager, August 2010

To Apply
Please send cover letter and resume to Sarah Letson, Deborah’s Place Development Coordinator, sletson@deborahsplace.org