Summary:
Shoes and Clothes for Kids (SC4K) is a 57-year-old, mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to breaking barriers to school attendance by providing new shoes, clothes, and school supplies to students in need. Through partnerships with schools, educators, and community organizations, SC4K ensures children have access to essential items that boost confidence, improve attendance, and enhance academic success. We operate a Free Store where eligible teachers, distribution partners, and families can shop at no cost. Our collaborative team works to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community. For more information, visit www.sc4k.org.
Position Overview:
The Grant Writer is responsible for identifying, researching, writing, and managing grant opportunities that support SC4K's mission and strategic priorities. The Grant Writer works closely with leadership and program staff to develop compelling proposals, maintain funder relationships, ensure compliance with grant requirements, and secure funding from private foundations, corporations, and other philanthropic funding sources. This position reports to the Advancement Manager.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Grant Research & Prospecting
· Research and identify new grant opportunities from private foundations, corporations, and other philanthropic funding sources.
· Maintain a pipeline of prospective funders aligned with SC4K's mission and programs.
· Monitor grant databases, funding announcements, and deadlines.
Proposal Development & Submission
· Write compelling letters of inquiry, grant proposals, and funding requests.
· Coordinate the collection of organizational, financial, and programmatic information required for submissions.
· Collaborate with staff to gather data, outcomes, stories, and supporting documentation.
· Prepare and submit grant applications in accordance with funder requirements.
· Partner with the Advancement Manager and program staff to develop competitive funding strategies and proposals.
Grant Management & Compliance
· Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar and tracking system.
· Monitor reporting deadlines and compliance requirements.
· Prepare and submit grant reports and renewal applications.
· Ensure accurate documentation of grant awards, restrictions, and reporting obligations.
· Maintain accurate grant and funder records in SC4K's CRM and grant management systems, including Little Green Light, Kindsight, and other organizational systems.
Foundation & Funder Stewardship
· Maintain relationships with foundation representatives and grant-making organizations.
· Coordinate stewardship activities, site visits, recognition, and other communications that strengthen relationships with grant funders.
· Track grant outcomes and communicate impact to funders.
Data Collection & Reporting
· Work with program staff to collect outcome data and impact metrics.
· Develop compelling narratives that communicate SC4K's impact and funding needs using meaningful program outcomes and data.
· Maintain grant records and funding histories.
Administration
· Maintain grant files and supporting documentation.
· Prepare grant activity reports for leadership and the Board as requested.
· Support organizational planning by identifying emerging funding opportunities and trends.
· Use technology, including AI-assisted tools when appropriate, to improve research, organization, editing, and administrative efficiency while ensuring all work is accurate, original, confidential, and reflects SC4K's voice and standards.
QUALIFICATIONS
· Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
· At least two years of grant writing experience in a nonprofit setting.
· Demonstrated success securing foundation and corporate grants.
· Strong research and organizational abilities.
· Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and proofreading skills.
· Experience managing multiple deadlines and projects simultaneously.
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
· Experience with grants serving children, education, poverty alleviation, or basic needs organizations.
· Familiarity with Northeast Ohio philanthropic organizations and foundations.
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM or grant management systems.
· Experience using Little Green Light, Kindsight, or similar nonprofit CRM systems.
Pay: $25.00 - $28.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Work from home
Experience:
- writing grant proposals and reports: 2 years (Preferred)
- managing grant deadlines and compliance: 2 years (Preferred)
- stewarding foundation relationships: 2 years (Preferred)
- researching grant opportunities: 2 years (Preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cleveland, OH 44110
