Application Guide
How to Apply for Grants Consultant
at Bonnie Brae
🏢 About Bonnie Brae
Bonnie Brae is a youth-focused organization that emphasizes daily 'small victories' through comprehensive care and education, creating meaningful, incremental impact. Their mission-driven approach offers the chance to directly support vulnerable youth and families in a collaborative environment, making it appealing for those passionate about social services and education.
About This Role
This Grants Consultant role involves leading funding research and writing proposals to secure grants from diverse sources (government, foundations, corporations) that align with Bonnie Brae's youth and family programs. It's impactful because securing funding directly enables the organization to expand its comprehensive care and education services, directly supporting their mission of empowering youth.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve researching new funding opportunities from state or foundation sources aligned with youth programs, drafting sections of a grant proposal, and updating the grant calendar to track upcoming deadlines. You'd also coordinate with finance and program teams via email or virtual meetings to gather data for reports or discuss compliance requirements.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Bonnie Brae Is Looking For
- Has 3+ years of proven success securing government (state/federal) grants AND private foundation/corporate funding, with specific examples of award amounts or types
- Possesses strong organizational skills to manage a grant calendar, ensure timely submissions, and oversee post-award compliance and reporting
- Demonstrates ability to write compelling proposals tailored to youth services, education, or family support programs
- Shows meticulous attention to detail in both research (identifying aligned opportunities) and documentation (proposals, reports)
📝 Tips for Applying to Bonnie Brae
Highlight specific experience with government grants (state or federal) and private funding in your resume, quantifying success (e.g., 'secured $X from Y source for Z program')
Tailor your application to Bonnie Brae's mission by mentioning 'small victories' or youth/family empowerment, showing you've researched their approach
Emphasize remote contract work experience, including self-management and communication skills for coordinating with finance/program teams virtually
Include examples of maintaining grant calendars and post-award compliance in past roles, as this is a key responsibility
If possible, provide a writing sample or portfolio link showcasing grant proposals related to youth services, education, or nonprofit care programs
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain how your grant writing experience aligns with Bonnie Brae's focus on youth and family empowerment, referencing their mission statement", 'Detail a specific example of securing funding from a government source AND a private foundation/corporation, highlighting the impact', 'Describe your approach to proactive research for funding opportunities and managing post-award compliance, emphasizing organizational skills', 'Express enthusiasm for remote contract work and ability to collaborate with teams (finance, programs) to meet reporting deadlines']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Bonnie Brae's website and annual reports to understand their specific programs (e.g., residential care, education services) and recent funding needs
- → Research New Jersey-based foundations, corporations, and government grants that support youth services, education, or family empowerment to discuss in interviews
- → Look into their 'small victories' philosophy and how it's implemented in their care model to tailor your application
- → Review any press releases or news about Bonnie Brae to identify recent initiatives or partnerships that might align with grant opportunities
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without mentioning Bonnie Brae's mission, youth focus, or 'small victories' approach
- Failing to provide specific examples of securing government grants (state/federal) AND private funding, as both are required
- Neglecting to highlight experience with grant calendars, post-award compliance, or remote work in a contract role
📅 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!