All jobsBusiness & OperationsFundraising and Grants

24 Fundraising and Grants Jobs in United States

Proposals move through cycles of research, drafting, review, and revision before money arrives.

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Questions

• What qualifications do entry-level fundraising roles require?

  Most entry-level positions require a bachelor's degree and strong writing ability, though specific fundraising experience is less critical than demonstrated organizational skills. Many organizations provide on-the-job training in grant databases and proposal development.

• What does a typical day involve in grants work?

  Days involve writing and editing proposals, researching funding sources, attending meetings with stakeholders, tracking deadlines, and managing documentation. The rhythm depends heavily on grant cycles and organizational needs, creating periods of intense focus followed by calmer phases.

• How important is writing ability for this work?

  Writing is central to the role—nearly every task involves crafting language for proposals, reports, or donor communications. Clarity, conciseness, and the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences are essential.

• What software and tools are commonly used?

  Fundraisers work regularly with grant management databases like Grants.gov, Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, and prospect research platforms. Spreadsheets, project management tools, and CRM systems are also standard.

• How does this work differ from corporate business development?

  Grants work focuses on securing non-repayable funding through competitive application processes, whereas corporate business development typically involves sales, partnerships, and revenue-generating relationships. Grants work emphasizes compliance and accountability to external funders.

• What's the career progression path in fundraising?

  Entry-level coordinator roles typically advance to manager, director, and eventually VP of development or Chief Development Officer positions. Progression often involves managing larger portfolios, supervising teams, and strategic planning responsibility.

• How much of the work is deadline-driven?

  Deadlines are a constant factor—grant cycles determine pacing, and missed deadlines mean lost funding opportunities. Planning around multiple overlapping deadlines is part of the routine.

• Is this work solitary or collaborative?

  It requires significant collaboration with program staff, leadership, finance teams, and external partners. Individual writing time alternates with meetings, consultations, and joint strategy sessions.

• What's the difference between grants work and major gifts fundraising?

  Grants work involves writing proposals to institutional funders like foundations and government agencies, while major gifts focuses on cultivating relationships with individual donors. Grant work tends to be more process-oriented and compliance-heavy.

• What working conditions should people expect?

  Office-based roles are typical, though some remote positions exist. Hours are generally standard, though end-of-grant-cycle periods can involve evening or weekend work to meet submission deadlines.