Application Guide

How to Apply for Manager, Grants

at DigDeep

🏢 About DigDeep

DigDeep is a unique WASH organization focused on closing the water access gap for over 2 million people in the U.S. who lack clean running water. Unlike international WASH groups, DigDeep empowers U.S. communities to build their own water and sanitation systems through nationally recognized programs. Working here means directly impacting domestic water equity with a hands-on, community-driven approach.

About This Role

As the Manager, Grants, you will be the primary writer and project manager for all institutional grant proposals, corporate and individual solicitations, and donor reports. This role is critical to sustaining DigDeep's funding, allowing the organization to continue its mission of bringing clean water to underserved U.S. communities. You'll collaborate across departments to translate complex programmatic impact into compelling narratives that secure vital resources.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with checking a grant calendar to confirm upcoming deadlines and drafting a proposal narrative for a foundation. Midday, you'd meet with program staff to gather impact data for a donor report, then spend the afternoon editing a corporate solicitation and updating your tracking spreadsheet. You'd end the day reviewing a colleague's draft for a major gift proposal.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who DigDeep Is Looking For

  • Has 4+ years of experience in grant writing, grant management, and institutional fundraising, with a proven track record of securing grants and submitting timely reports.
  • Possesses exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, able to synthesize complex programmatic, financial, and impact data into compelling, donor-ready narratives.
  • Is highly organized and detail-oriented, with experience maintaining tracking systems for proposals, awards, and deadlines to ensure 100% on-time submissions.
  • Thrives in a collaborative, remote environment and can build strong relationships with frontline fundraisers and program staff to gather firsthand knowledge of DigDeep's model.

📝 Tips for Applying to DigDeep

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific grant writing and management successes, including total dollars raised and types of funders (foundations, corporate, individual).

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to DigDeep's mission of closing the U.S. water access gap—show that you understand domestic WASH issues.

3

Prepare a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to tell a compelling story with data, ideally from a nonprofit or social impact context.

4

Research DigDeep's current programs (e.g., Navajo Water Project, Appalachia Water Project) and reference them in your application to show genuine interest.

5

Since the role is remote, emphasize your experience with virtual collaboration tools and self-motivation in managing multiple deadlines.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for water equity in the U.S. and alignment with DigDeep's community-driven approach.", "Specific examples of successful grant proposals you've led, including dollar amounts and funder types.", 'Your ability to manage a full grants cycle—from prospecting to reporting—and maintain tracking systems.', 'How you collaborate with program teams to gather impact data and translate it into donor-ready narratives.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review DigDeep's website and annual reports to understand their programs (Navajo Water Project, Appalachia Water Project, etc.) and impact metrics.
  • → Read recent news articles or press releases about DigDeep to understand current initiatives and funding priorities.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the broader U.S. water access gap—key statistics and policy context—to show informed passion.
  • → Check if DigDeep has a blog or impact stories that showcase how they communicate their work to donors.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you manage competing deadlines for multiple grant submissions and reports?
2 Describe a time you turned complex program data into a compelling grant narrative. What was the outcome?
3 How would you build relationships with DigDeep's program staff to learn about their work?
4 What experience do you have with institutional fundraising for domestic social justice or environmental causes?
5 How do you stay organized and track deadlines, especially in a remote work setting?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention DigDeep's specific programs or domestic focus.
  • Failing to provide concrete numbers (e.g., dollars raised, number of grants managed) in your resume or cover letter.
  • Not demonstrating an understanding of the grant lifecycle (prospecting, writing, submission, reporting) in your application.

📅 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 DigDeep!

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