Assistant Grant Writer & Prospect Research Coordinator

Are you cause-oriented and looking to connect to a mission you believe in?

We’re not just hiring for a position — we are inviting someone to join a mission for the next 12 months to help build a better Canada for the next generation. If you’re the kind of person who’s driven by purpose, who feels called to make a difference and bring your whole self to the work, we would love to meet you.

JOB DETAILS

Salary: $24 - $30 per hour

Hours: Part-Time (20-24 hrs/week)

Term: 12-Month Contract (with potential for renewal)

Location: Remote (with occasional visit to head office location in Mississauga, ON)

How to Apply: Submit your resume and cover letter to Karen Warankie, Fund Development Director through the CharityVillage platform. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Application Deadline: DECEMBER 10, 2026

JOB SUMMARY

Start2Finish is a mission-driven non-profit that believes in the power of community and care. Our work is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a deep belief that we can affect positive change. This is not a typical workplace, and we’re looking for more than just a “hire”. We are seeking someone who wants to invest themselves — not in a job but in a cause they believe in.

The right person who will have the privilege of taking on this non-profit role:

• Feels personally connected to our mission and wants to make a difference
• Sees this work as purposeful — not just professional
• Thrives in a values-driven, people-first environment
• Is flexible, curious, and eager to learn
• Has strong emotional intelligence, emotional maturity, and is a great communicator
• Is motivated by impact, not just metrics
• Brings strong character, integrity, commitment, care, and a growth mind-set

Here’s what success in this role looks like:

• You bring steady energy and integrity to your work
• Your personal values align with and enhance our organizational mission
• You build trust and meaningful relationships — with your team, our community, and our donors
• You take initiative, solve problems creatively, and help make our programs stronger
• You listen deeply, communicate clearly, and collaborate with empathy
• You contribute to a positive, “can-do” culture
• You care about the “why” as much as the “what” — our mission is at the heart of all you do

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Start2Finish Canada supports children facing poverty and barriers to well-being through literacy, physical activity and supportive relationships. As our Organization grows, we are seeking an emerging grant writer to help secure additional grants that support our programs and reach more children. The Assistant Grant Writer and Prospect Research Coordinator will research suitable Canadian funders, draft additional grant applications, and prepare introductory emails, professional direct messages, and letters of inquiry. You will coordinate deadlines and supporting documents, with guidance and final review from our Fund Development Director. You will recommend next steps and prepare communications for approval before outreach.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Research Canadian foundation, community and corporate grant opportunities relevant to our programs and locations
• Verify funder priorities, giving history, eligibility, geography, restrictions, request limits, deadlines and reporting requirements using funder sources
• Make an initial recommendation whether to pursue an opportunity; where applicable, check whether unsolicited inquiries are welcomed and identify the preferred contact channel
• Draft clear, persuasive grant application answers or written proposals that address funders’ questions and stay within word or character limits (support of AI is permitted within the Organization’s AI policy guidelines and “Human in the Loop” requirements)
• For prospects without an identified grant process, recommend a suitable next step
• Draft tailored introductory emails, direct messages, and letters of inquiry based on verified prospect research; obtain approval of the approach, sender and wording before outreach
• Use approved program information, evidence and budgets; identify missing or conflicting information
• Coordinate supporting documents for grant submissions, proposals and letters of inquiry
• Revise drafts following feedback, and prepare applications and prospect communications for final approval
• Handle routine follow-ups when appropriate
• Assist with grant reporting on approved grants
• Maintain up-to-date tracking of prospect, application, decision and reporting records

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Professional writing skills are a must
• Non-profit grant writing experience is an asset, but not required
• Capable learner who is teachable, adaptable, and works well collaboratively
• Ability to convey written data and program/project information in a compelling manner and with a tone that aligns with the Organization's voice and the target audience
• Provision of a relevant writing sample you have permission to share
• Strong research, written communication and editing skills – including concise, personalized outreach that establishes relevance, conveys impact, and makes an appropriate request
• Ability to assess funder fit, identify when an opportunity should not be pursued, and exercise sound judgment about contact preferences and relationship history
• Basic ability to interpret project budgets and reconcile the narrative, request amount, and proposed activities
• A reliable system for managing multiple deadlines, documents and revisions
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks, ask focused questions, and consistently receive and apply feedback
• Comfort using shared documents, spreadsheets, grant tracking tools, and online application portals; discretion with confidential information
• 1-3 years experience is recommended, but demonstrated ability takes priority
• Successful grant awards and fundraising amounts are welcome evidence, but are not a requirement
• Responsible and effective use of AI in a professional setting is an asset

Additional Assets:

• Non-profit work or volunteer experience
• Experience with children’s programs, literacy, education, and/or community well-being
• Prospect research, grant tracking, project management, and donor CRM tools: i.e. Airtable, Monday.com, DonorDock
• A specific degree or CFRE designation is not required