Application Guide
How to Apply for Director of Foundation Relations
at Crisis Text Line
🏢 About Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line combines human connection with scalable technology to provide free, 24/7 mental health support via text. As a data-driven nonprofit that has processed over 100 million conversations, it uniquely leverages technology and research to drive systemic change in mental health globally. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that values innovation, impact, and equity.
About This Role
As Director of Foundation Relations, you will lead the strategy to secure 5-7+ figure grants from foundations, managing a portfolio of high-value relationships and overseeing grant writing and reporting. This role is critical to funding Crisis Text Line's expansion and technology development, directly enabling millions of texters to access mental health support.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing Salesforce for updates on foundation touchpoints and deadlines, followed by a call with a program officer to discuss a concept note. Afternoon could involve drafting a proposal with input from the program team, then a strategy meeting with the VP of Development to align on pipeline priorities. The day might end with a stewardship email to a foundation board member.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Crisis Text Line Is Looking For
- Proven success in securing 6- and 7-figure grants from national foundations, with a deep understanding of the foundation landscape in mental health or adjacent fields.
- Exceptional writer who can distill complex programmatic work into compelling narratives, with samples of previous grant proposals that resulted in major funding.
- Experienced in using Salesforce for moves management and pipeline tracking, with the ability to generate reports and insights to drive strategy.
- Strong collaborator who can coordinate with C-suite executives and program leaders to align grant proposals with organizational priorities.
📝 Tips for Applying to Crisis Text Line
Tailor your cover letter to highlight specific foundation relationships you've cultivated and the size of grants secured, referencing Crisis Text Line's mission and technology.
Include a list of 3-4 foundations you would target first, with a brief rationale for each based on their giving history and alignment with Crisis Text Line's work.
Quantify your impact in your resume: e.g., 'Secured $2M in grants from 5 foundations over 2 years' rather than just listing responsibilities.
Demonstrate your Salesforce proficiency by mentioning how you used it for pipeline tracking, reporting, or stewardship in previous roles.
Research Crisis Text Line's recent grants and partnerships (e.g., with Spotify, Lyft) to show you understand their funding model and can build on existing relationships.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your track record with 5-7+ figure foundation gifts and your ability to build a pipeline from scratch or expand an existing one.', "Show your passion for mental health and technology-driven solutions, referencing Crisis Text Line's unique model of text-based crisis support.", 'Highlight your experience in moves management and using Salesforce to track and advance relationships.', 'Mention your ability to write compelling proposals that resonate with foundation program officers, and offer to share a writing sample.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Crisis Text Line's annual reports and impact data to understand their key metrics (e.g., number of texters, crisis outcomes, partnerships).
- → Read about their technology platform (e.g., machine learning for triage, data privacy) to speak intelligently about how foundation funding supports innovation.
- → Look at their current foundation partners (e.g., the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, the Pershing Square Foundation) to identify potential gaps or expansion areas.
- → Follow recent news about Crisis Text Line, including their global expansion (e.g., UK, Ireland) and any new research publications.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Crisis Text Line's specific mission, technology, or recent initiatives.
- Focusing only on your writing skills without demonstrating experience in pipeline management and relationship cultivation.
- Ignoring the remote nature of the role; show you can work independently and manage a team virtually, with examples of remote collaboration.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Crisis Text Line!