Application Guide

How to Apply for Development & Partnerships Director

at The REACH Fund of Connecticut

🏢 About The REACH Fund of Connecticut

The REACH Fund of Connecticut is a grassroots organization directly funding abortion access and fighting systemic barriers through advocacy and education. Working here means joining a dedicated team making tangible impacts in reproductive justice, with a focus on equity and community partnerships.

About This Role

As Development & Partnerships Director, you'll lead all fundraising to meet a $280K annual goal, including major donor cultivation, grants, and a signature Fund-A-Thon event. This role is pivotal in sustaining REACH's operations and expanding its reach, directly enabling more individuals to access abortion care.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing CRM donor data and drafting a grant proposal, followed by a virtual meeting with a clinic partner to discuss collaborative fundraising. Afternoon could involve planning the annual Fund-A-Thon campaign, updating social media content, and sending personalized acknowledgments to recent donors, all while coordinating with the remote team via Slack.

🎯 Who The REACH Fund of Connecticut Is Looking For

  • A fundraising professional with 5+ years of nonprofit experience, specifically in major gifts and grants, and a track record of meeting or exceeding annual goals.
  • Someone deeply committed to reproductive justice and abortion access, with an understanding of the barriers faced by marginalized communities in Connecticut.
  • A skilled relationship-builder who can engage clinics, providers, and the National Network of Abortion Funds, as well as cultivate individual donors.
  • Proficient in CRM management and data analysis to track fundraising progress and donor engagement, with strong writing skills for grant proposals and marketing materials.

📝 Tips for Applying to The REACH Fund of Connecticut

1

Highlight specific fundraising results (e.g., dollars raised, donor growth) from past roles, especially for organizations with budgets under $500K.

2

Demonstrate familiarity with abortion fund work by mentioning any volunteer or professional experience with reproductive justice organizations.

3

Showcase your ability to work remotely and manage multiple priorities, including events, grants, and donor stewardship.

4

Tailor your cover letter to emphasize alignment with REACH's mission and your understanding of Connecticut's reproductive health landscape.

5

Include examples of how you've used CRM data to inform fundraising strategy and improve donor retention.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your personal commitment to abortion access and social justice, and why REACH's mission resonates with you.", 'Specific fundraising achievements, such as securing grants or major gifts, with numbers and outcomes.', 'Experience building partnerships with healthcare providers or community organizations, especially in a reproductive health context.', 'Your approach to donor cultivation and stewardship, emphasizing relationship-building over transactional asks.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review REACH's website, social media, and annual impact reports to understand their current messaging and donor base.
  • Research Connecticut's abortion access landscape, including legislative challenges and the role of abortion funds.
  • Learn about the National Network of Abortion Funds and their resources for member funds.
  • Familiarize yourself with common fundraising platforms for small nonprofits (e.g., EveryAction, Salesforce) and how they support donor management.
Visit The REACH Fund of Connecticut's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a fundraising strategy to meet a $280K goal with limited staff?
2 Describe your experience with grant writing and management; what's the largest grant you've secured?
3 How do you engage major donors who may be new to abortion fund work?
4 How would you leverage the National Network of Abortion Funds to strengthen REACH's partnerships?
5 Tell us about a time you managed a fundraising event (like a Fund-A-Thon) and what the outcome was.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not demonstrating a clear understanding of abortion fund work or reproductive justice principles.
  • Focusing only on fundraising tactics without showing passion for the mission or awareness of systemic barriers.
  • Overlooking the importance of partnerships with clinics and providers; this role is as much about relationships as fundraising.

📅 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 The REACH Fund of Connecticut!