Come write for a mission you can see and feel
At CHICAT, art and technology meet to ignite hope and open real pathways to opportunity for underserved youth and adults across Chicago, with a focus on residents from North Lawndale, Little Village, and Pilsen. Picture a light-filled, renovated historic warehouse south of the Illinois Medical District where middle schoolers 3D-print their first designs, high schoolers build AR and VR worlds, and adults launch businesses and master the tools of a tech-driven economy. Every program is free, and the results speak for themselves: 450+ individuals served in 2025, 78% of participants from the 25 lowest-income zip codes in Chicago, and a 92% retention rate in our youth programs.
We are looking for a talented, mission-driven Grant Writer who wants their words to translate directly into brighter futures and more opportunities for low-income youth and adults. If you love telling a great story that impacts real people, this one is yours to tell.
What you’ll do
As our Grant Writer, you’ll be a key storyteller and revenue partner for CHICAT’s development team. You will:
- Research and identify grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government sources that align with CHICAT’s mission and programs
- Write compelling letters of inquiry, proposals, and applications that bring our impact to life
- Build and manage a grants calendar so deadlines and reporting requirements never sneak up on us
- Prepare timely, accurate grant reports that strengthen relationships with funders like the MacArthur Foundation, Joyce Foundation, Julian Grace Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council
- Partner with program and finance staff to gather the data, budgets, and stories that make a proposal sing
- Keep clear records of submissions, awards, and outcomes
What you bring
- Strong writing skills with a gift for turning mission, data, and human stories into persuasive, fundable narratives
- Experience in grant writing, fundraising, or development (nonprofit experience is a plus)
- A self-starter who manages deadlines and details with care
- Comfort working with budgets and program data
- A demonstrated connection to CHICAT’s mission of equity, creativity, and opportunity
- Flexibility, agility, and a “can-do” attitude
- Someone who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment that operates with urgency and excellence
- Bonus: familiarity with the Chicago philanthropic landscape
Why CHICAT
- Your work funds free, life-changing programs for people who deserve every opportunity
- A fast-paced, mission-driven team that operates with urgency and excellence, and does whatever it takes to deliver
- A creative, welcoming team in a beautiful space that’s convenient to public transit and offers free parking
- Hybrid schedule, including fully remote Fridays
CHICAT is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, and we are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. Applicants needing accommodations are encouraged to reach out.
Pay: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- grant writing, fundraising, or philanthropy: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Chicago, IL 60608 (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60608
