Application Guide

How to Apply for Development and Fundraising Coordinator

at Divided Sky Foundation

🏢 About Divided Sky Foundation

Divided Sky Foundation is a unique nonprofit that combines a passion for recovery with creativity and community, rooted in a 12-step, abstinence-based model. Working here means supporting meaningful, joyful recovery experiences through events like benefit concerts and alumni gatherings, all while making a tangible impact on individuals' lives.

About This Role

As the Development and Fundraising Coordinator, you'll be the engine behind donor engagement and fundraising operations, from managing the CRM to coordinating events. This role is impactful because you'll directly strengthen the financial backbone of the foundation, enabling it to expand its recovery programs and reach more people in need.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with updating the CRM with new donor data and preparing a weekly fundraising report. Midday, you could draft a grant application or call a donor to thank them for a recent gift. Afternoons often involve planning logistics for an upcoming benefit concert or alumni gathering, collaborating with the team to ensure every detail supports the foundation's joyful mission.

🎯 Who Divided Sky Foundation Is Looking For

  • Someone with 2-4 years of fundraising or development experience, ideally in behavioral health or a mission-driven nonprofit.
  • A CRM expert who can manage donor databases, track contributions, and generate insightful reports.
  • An exceptional communicator with strong writing skills for donor outreach, grant applications, and event materials.
  • A proactive event planner who can coordinate logistics for benefit concerts, alumni weekends, and community gatherings.

📝 Tips for Applying to Divided Sky Foundation

1

Highlight any experience with 12-step programs or recovery-focused organizations in your resume or cover letter to show alignment with the mission.

2

Quantify your fundraising achievements, such as amount raised or donor retention rates, to demonstrate impact.

3

Mention specific CRM systems you've used (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge) and describe how you improved data management or reporting.

4

Tailor your cover letter to emphasize your passion for recovery and creativity—mention the foundation's events like benefit concerts.

5

Include examples of successful event planning, especially if you've coordinated multi-day events or volunteer-heavy gatherings.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your personal connection to or admiration for the foundation's mission of joyful, creative recovery.", "Specific examples of how you've strengthened donor relationships or increased fundraising through CRM management.", "Your experience with grant writing or reporting, and how it aligns with the foundation's need for grant support.", 'Your ability to juggle multiple tasks—campaigns, events, database work—with attention to detail and enthusiasm.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Read about the foundation's founder and their story to understand the personal drive behind the mission.
  • Review past events, such as benefit concerts or alumni weekends, to grasp the foundation's community focus.
  • Look up the 12-step, abstinence-based recovery model to speak knowledgeably about their approach.
  • Check the foundation's social media and website for recent campaigns or donor stories to reference in your interview.
Visit Divided Sky Foundation's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach building relationships with donors who are in recovery or have personal ties to addiction?
2 Describe a time you managed a CRM database to improve donor tracking or reporting. What tools did you use?
3 Tell us about a fundraising event you coordinated. What went well, and what would you do differently?
4 How do you prioritize competing deadlines, like a grant deadline vs. an event?
5 What does 'joyful recovery' mean to you, and how would you incorporate that into fundraising campaigns?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention recovery or the foundation's unique approach.
  • Underestimating the importance of CRM experience—this is a key requirement, so don't gloss over it.
  • Focusing only on numbers and not on the human side of fundraising—the foundation values connection and joy.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Divided Sky Foundation!