Application Guide
How to Apply for Grant Writer
at Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network
🏢 About Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network
Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network (GSA Network) is a uniquely intersectional organization that centers LGBTQ+ youth of color and combines racial justice with gender justice. As a next-generation grassroots movement, it empowers youth leaders to transform school climates and build power for safer, more inclusive communities. Working here means contributing to a youth-led, intersectional movement that is at the forefront of social change.
About This Role
As a Grant Writer, you will be the bridge between GSA Network's grassroots organizing model and the foundation world, translating complex movement work into compelling funding proposals. Your research and writing will directly support the sustainability of youth-led advocacy and organizing programs. This role is critical for securing the resources needed to fuel trans and queer youth leadership across the US.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start by scanning foundation websites and newsletters for new grant opportunities aligning with GSA Network's priorities. You'll then draft a LOI or full proposal, collaborating with the Development Manager to refine budgets and program narratives. After lunch, you could have a call with a foundation program officer to discuss a potential application, then update your grants tracker with deadlines and statuses before signing off.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network Is Looking For
- Experienced grant writer with 5+ years in nonprofit, specifically with a track record of securing six-figure grants from LGBTQ+, youth organizing, and education justice funders.
- Deeply understands grassroots organizing and movement-building, not just as concepts but as lived practices, and can articulate how funding supports power-building, not just programming.
- Has established relationships with funders in the LGBTQ+ and youth justice spaces, and can leverage those connections for strategic conversations and introductions.
- A skilled storyteller who can distill complex intersectional frameworks (e.g., racial justice, gender justice, youth leadership) into clear, passionate, and funder-friendly narratives without oversimplifying.
📝 Tips for Applying to Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network
In your cover letter, name-drop specific foundations you have relationships with that align with GSA Network's funding priorities (e.g., LGBTQ+ youth funds, racial justice funds).
Tailor your resume to highlight grants you've written for youth organizing or LGBTQ+ causes, and quantify the amounts awarded and the impact of those grants.
Show, don't just tell, your understanding of grassroots organizing. Provide an example of how you translated a complex organizing strategy into a successful grant proposal.
Research GSA Network's current campaigns and programs (e.g., Black Youth Project 100, Trans Youth Leadership) and mention how your grant writing can support those specific initiatives.
Since this is a remote contract role, emphasize your ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and communicate proactively with a remote team in your application.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your alignment with GSA Network's mission and your passion for LGBTQ+ youth-led racial and gender justice.", 'Your established funder relationships in the LGBTQ+, youth organizing, and education justice sectors, and how you can leverage them for this role.', "Your ability to translate grassroots organizing narratives into compelling, funder-friendly proposals without losing the movement's authenticity.", "Specific examples of grants you've written that supported youth organizing or intersectional social justice work."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read GSA Network's annual reports and recent blog posts to understand their key programs, campaigns, and funding priorities.
- → Look into their current funders (e.g., list on their website or 990s) to see which foundations already support them and where gaps might exist.
- → Familiarize yourself with their theory of change and youth organizing model, especially how they integrate racial and gender justice.
- → Research recent news or developments in LGBTQ+ youth rights and education justice to understand the political context GSA Network operates in.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic grant writing application without mentioning GSA Network's specific mission, programs, or intersectional approach.
- Avoid focusing solely on your writing skills without demonstrating your understanding of grassroots organizing and movement-building.
- Don't overlook the importance of funder relationships; failing to highlight your existing connections or a plan to build new ones will be a missed opportunity.
📅 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 Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network!