How to apply for Foundation Relations Manager
Groundswell Fund
About Groundswell Fund
Groundswell Fund is a unique philanthropic organization that channels resources to grassroots movements led by women of color, transgender, and gender-expansive people. They are committed to building a just and equitable society by funding and strengthening movements for reproductive justice, economic justice, and immigrant rights. Working here means being part of a values-driven, unionized team that prioritizes solidarity and collective power.
About the role
As the Foundation Relations Manager, you will be the driving force behind securing and stewarding foundation partnerships that fuel Groundswell's mission. You'll work closely with the Director of Resource Mobilization to cultivate, solicit, and manage grants, ensuring compliance and fostering deep relationships with philanthropic partners. This role is pivotal in ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the organization and advancing its strategic vision.
A typical day
A typical day might involve researching potential foundation partners, drafting a letter of inquiry or proposal, and coordinating with program staff to gather impact data for a report. You might also have virtual meetings with foundation officers to nurture relationships or with your team to align on fundraising strategies. The rest of your time could be spent updating a CRM system with grant deadlines and communications, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Who Groundswell Fund is looking for
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Tips for this application
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to explicitly highlight your experience with foundation relations, including specific dollar amounts raised and types of foundations you've worked with.
- Research Groundswell's current foundation partners and recent grants to demonstrate your understanding of their funding landscape in your cover letter.
- Emphasize your alignment with Groundswell's values and your commitment to social justice movements, as this is a core requirement for the role.
- Since the position is remote, highlight your ability to work independently and manage your time effectively, with examples of successful remote work.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with grant compliance and reporting, as this is a key responsibility of the role.
What to cover in your cover letter
- Express your passion for Groundswell's mission and your personal connection to their values of reproductive justice, economic justice, and immigrant rights. - Highlight your specific experience in foundation relations, including successful solicitations and stewardship of foundation partners. - Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of grassroots movements and how your work can support their growth. - Mention your ability to work collaboratively with program staff and your commitment to being part of a unionized, equitable workplace.
Draft a cover letterResearch before applying
- Visit Groundswell's website to learn about their current campaigns, grantees, and recent news to understand their strategic priorities.
- Review their annual report or financial statements to see their funding sources and the scale of their foundation partnerships.
- Look into the backgrounds of the Director of Resource Mobilization and other team members to understand their leadership style and the team culture.
- Research the collective bargaining agreement and union environment to understand the workplace dynamics and employee rights.
Likely interview topics
Based on the job description, expect questions about:
- How do you approach building relationships with foundation partners, and can you give an example of a successful cultivation strategy?
- Describe a time you had to manage multiple grant deadlines and reports. How did you prioritize and ensure compliance?
- How do you stay informed about the priorities and interests of foundations, and how do you align them with your organization's needs?
- What does 'movement solidarity' mean to you, and how would you incorporate it into your fundraising work?
- How do you handle rejection or a declined proposal, and what steps do you take to maintain the relationship for future opportunities?
Common mistakes to avoid
- Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Groundswell's specific mission or programs.
- Avoid focusing solely on your fundraising targets without connecting them to the organization's impact and values.
- Don't overlook the importance of grant compliance and reporting – be sure to highlight your attention to detail and organizational skills.
Deadline
No deadline is listed. Roles without a deadline usually close once the employer has enough candidates, so apply soon if you are interested.