Application Guide

How to Apply for Fundraising Manager

at Openhomefoundation

🏢 About Openhomefoundation

Openhomefoundation is a remote-first nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to affordable housing through technology and community-driven solutions. Working here means you'll be part of a lean, mission-focused team where your fundraising efforts directly enable scalable impact for underserved communities across the US.

About This Role

As the Fundraising Manager, you'll own the entire fundraising strategy—from grants and corporate sponsorships to individual giving—and build lasting relationships with donors who believe in housing as a human right. This role is pivotal in securing the resources needed to sustain and grow programs, making you a key driver of the foundation's mission.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a virtual check-in with the executive director to align on priorities, followed by drafting a grant proposal for a housing initiative. Afternoon could involve a call with a potential corporate sponsor to discuss partnership benefits for an upcoming conference, then updating the CRM with donor notes and preparing a stewardship report for a current funder.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Openhomefoundation Is Looking For

  • A proven closer with 5+ years of fundraising experience, including a track record of securing six-figure grants or corporate sponsorships for housing or social justice causes.
  • Someone who thrives on autonomy and has owned a fundraising function end-to-end, from prospect research to stewardship and reporting.
  • An excellent grant writer who can translate complex program roadmaps into compelling narratives that resonate with funders.
  • A relationship-builder who enjoys networking at virtual conferences and can craft tailored sponsorship packages for events.

📝 Tips for Applying to Openhomefoundation

1

Highlight specific dollar amounts you've raised in past roles, especially from grants or corporate partnerships, and tie them to tangible outcomes.

2

Showcase your experience with remote collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Asana, CRM) since the team is fully remote.

3

Mention any familiarity with affordable housing, homelessness, or community development to demonstrate mission alignment.

4

Tailor your cover letter to mention Openhomefoundation's specific programs (e.g., their flagship conference or tech platform) and how your skills can support them.

5

Include a sample grant narrative or sponsorship deck if possible, to prove your grant-writing and packaging skills.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your ability to own a fundraising strategy from scratch and your experience with both grants and corporate sponsorships.', 'Convey genuine passion for affordable housing and how your work has directly impacted communities.', 'Provide a concrete example of a successful fundraising initiative you led end-to-end, including challenges and results.', 'Mention your comfort with remote work and self-directed projects, as the team is distributed.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Openhomefoundation's website and annual reports to understand their current programs, impact metrics, and existing funding sources.
  • → Look up their flagship conference or events mentioned in the job description to see past sponsors and partnership models.
  • → Research their leadership team on LinkedIn to understand their backgrounds and priorities.
  • → Check news articles or blogs about affordable housing trends to contextualize your approach in interviews.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through a time you secured a major grant or sponsorship—how did you identify the prospect, cultivate the relationship, and close the deal?
2 How would you develop a fundraising strategy for a small foundation with limited brand recognition?
3 Describe your experience with funder reporting and how you ensure compliance and transparency.
4 How do you prioritize between grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual giving when resources are constrained?
5 What metrics do you use to track fundraising success, and how do you communicate progress to leadership?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter—failing to mention the specific mission or programs of Openhomefoundation shows lack of interest.
  • Avoid focusing only on individual giving if you lack grants or corporate experience, as the role requires a multi-channel approach.
  • Don't downplay the importance of reporting and compliance; funders expect rigor, and the foundation likely has limited admin support.

📅 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 Openhomefoundation!

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