Grants and Prospecting Volunteer

YIMBY Action and Yes In My Back Yard (YIMBY) are seeking an ambitious Grants and Prospecting Volunteer looking to grow their writing skills and contribute meaningfully to fueling and growing the pro-housing movement.

YIMBY Action and Yes In My Back Yard (YIMBY) are affiliated 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that work together to advance policy change that will increase the supply of housing in high-opportunity cities and towns. We advocate to increase the supply of all types of housing, including market-rate, subsidized affordable, and public housing. Our organizations envision an integrated and environmentally sustainable society where every person has access to a safe, affordable home near jobs, services, and opportunity.

What we're looking for

The Grants and Prospecting Volunteer will write grants for the organization, gaining skills in compellingly articulating complex concepts and appealing to funders of diverse audiences. They will also prepare sponsorship materials, building their persuasive visual and written communication skills. The Intern will also research prospect grants and sponsorships, learning how to resourcefully and creatively identify opportunities to turn important ideas into funding.

Responsibilities

Writing Proposals and Reports (50%)

• Write foundation grant proposals and reports; ensure compelling articulation of our impact and value proposition, and strategic alignment with foundation’s interests.
• Collaborate with Associate Director and Business Membership Manager to prepare sponsorship materials and other written and visual materials for corporate partners.
• Activate program staff across the organizations to provide information and content for proposals, reports, and briefs, including wins, challenges, and future goals. Monitor internal conversations and Slack to identify content opportunities. Conduct meetings with staff and other stakeholders to download additional information.
• Build and continually increase professional skills in fundraising writing by participating in trainings, reading guides and articles, connecting to other fundraisers, and actively seeking out new professional development opportunities.

Prospecting and Research (50%)

• Strategically research and identify aligned foundation and grant opportunities.
• Strategically research and identify aligned corporate sponsorship opportunities.
• Research networks of Board members and other connectors to identify high-potential prospects, leveraging LinkedIn and relevant directories.
• Help all front-line fundraisers prepare for foundation, and corporate meetings by conducting background research on prospect funding priorities.
• Maintain thorough and accurate database of prospects by entering information in Airtable and keeping track of tasks in Asana.
  

Qualifications

This position requires an excitement and curiosity about fundraising, but does not require any previous experience in fundraising. We also don’t require any specific level of educational attainment or years of professional experience. We do ask for the following:

• A deep commitment to the YIMBY mission and vision. A passion for more housing and shelter of every type including subsidized nonprofit affordable housing, market-rate housing, transitional housing, navigation centers, etc etc etc.
• Excellent persuasive writing skills for diverse forms of writing; ability to be concise, compelling, and inspire action via long-form writing, emails, and marketing copy.
• Excellent listening skills and ability to personalize communications and touchpoints to match funders’ interests.
• Resourcefulness; ability to use thorough research and creative problem solving to identify “hidden gems” of fundraising opportunity.
• Superb organizational and time management skills, and demonstrated ability to keep multiple balls in the air. Ability to follow structured processes and create new processes to ensure all Ts are crossed.
• Ability to work swiftly and efficiently to ensure responses are prompt and deadlines are met.

Benefits

• Up to 100% employer funded comprehensive medical coverage
• 401k enrollment opportunities
• 3 weeks of paid vacation plus another 20 paid holidays
• Paid sick time
• Paid family & disability leave
• Significant professional development opportunities, including paid professional development stipend
• Flexible work hours within a 40 hour work week
• Membership in YIMBY Action nationwide activist network and vibrant 3,700+ member Slack community
• Access to YIMBY Action network of elected officials, journalists, and business leaders