Foundation Grants Specialist

Centerstone•Bloomington, IN

About The Position

This role will report directly to the VP of Donor Services and Institutional Giving and work in collaboration with broader Centerstone leadership and the Directors of Philanthropy and Foundation Grants Manager. This role is responsible for supporting the overall growth and advancement of Centerstone organizations by securing opportunities for philanthropic grant funding from private foundations, corporate foundations, community foundations, etc. by: Researching, screening, and identifying grant opportunities Working in concert with the Directors of Philanthropy and regional program leadership in the decision to apply for a grant and in grant application development Data collection and analysis as needed Preparing and submitting grant applications Maintaining records of grants and application status for all grant activity of Foundation staff in concert with Foundation Grants Manager Preparing and submitting follow up reports as necessary

Requirements

Knowledge of grant proposal submission and reporting best practices.
Knowledge of grant proposal writing techniques, including research and assembling information.
Knowledge of grant administration, including setting and meeting objectives and deliverables, implementation, reporting and evaluation.
Knowledge of grant expenditure and budget management.
Persuasive writing and editing skills with a commitment to accuracy and detail.
Organization, administrative, and project management skills.
Strong research skills with a focus on identifying new funding opportunities and key proposal requirements for respective funders.
Ability to synthesize multiple data points, provide analysis, and implement evaluation tools.
Ability to set priorities and manage multiple project demands effectively and efficiently.
Critical thinking and problem-solving.
Demonstrated ability to lead projects with multiple stakeholders to achieve stated outcomes.
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, and spreadsheet and database management.
Strong administrative skills and self-motivated with the ability to set priorities and manage multiple tasks in an effective and efficient manner.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Collaborative orientation, comfortable working with colleagues in multiple locations.
Bachelor’s Degree required.
Four years of related experience may be accepted in lieu of the degree.
Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in nonprofit fundraising specific to the key functions of this position; pertinent and successful experience in non-profit grant-writing and proposal development.

Nice To Haves

Degrees in Education, Social Sciences, Nonprofit Management, Project Management, Communications, or other related area are beneficial.
Experience using a CRM and grant vetting, screening, and evaluation tools preferred.

Responsibilities

Work with VP and Foundation Grants Manager to develop the annual grant strategy in support of Centerstone’s identified funding priorities and annual grant funding goal
Work closely with Directors of Philanthropy, as well as other Foundation and program staff across Centerstone to maximize submission of private foundation grant applications
Effectively and strategically develop a list of potential private foundation grant opportunities through research and selective identification
Compile, write, and submit compelling cases for support for proposals, LOI’s, and grant opportunities.
Work with Foundation Grants Manager to track grant funding stages
Identify opportunities to achieve efficiency and effectiveness through the implementation of new/modified approaches, practices and processes
Prepares/provides regular reporting for internal and external stakeholders (e.g. performance metrics, funder reports, board reports, grant application results, etc.).
Builds and nurtures culture of philanthropy internally; ensures effective, positive working relationships with Centerstone colleagues.
Position may require occasional travel.
Travel expenses are reimbursed.