Grant Researcher & Writer

About the role

Unruled Masses seeks a volunteer Grant Writer to help secure funding for its mission of exposing corruption and empowering civic action. The role involves researching grant opportunities, crafting proposals, managing the grant lifecycle, and supporting funder relations.

Responsibilities

• Identify and qualify grant prospects from foundations, government agencies, and corporate giving programs aligned with democracy‑building, anti‑corruption, and civic tech.
• Draft, edit, and polish high‑quality grant applications, letters of intent (LOIs), and concept notes that clearly articulate the Unruled Masses mission.
• Track deadlines, manage the submission calendar, and ensure all required documentation (budgets, 501(c)(3) status, etc.) is prepared and organized.
• Collaborate with leadership to turn the “Intelligence Library” and “Action Playbook” concepts into fundable projects with measurable outcomes.
• Maintain funder relations by assisting in drafting impact reports and updates for donors.
• Exceptional volunteers may also develop a multi‑year fundraising strategy, lead pitch sessions with foundation program officers, mentor junior writers, and contribute to the strategic framing of the organization’s public‑facing “Case for Support”.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in grant writing with a history of successful, high‑value awards (preferably in the nonprofit sector).
• Exceptional writing ability to produce clear, structured, and emotionally resonant prose for foundation reviewers.
• Analytical skill to digest complex “industrial‑grade” methodology and explain it simply to non‑expert stakeholders.
• Highly organized and capable of managing multiple submission deadlines simultaneously in a remote environment.
• Education/Experience: degrees in English, Communications, Public Administration, or related fields are preferred, but a strong portfolio of won grants is the primary requirement.

Skills

• Democracy & Human Rights
• Investigative Journalism
• Civic Technology & OSINT
• Government Transparency
• Social Justice & Community Organizing
• Legal Defense & Reform
• Information Integrity & Media Literacy

Pay

This is an unpaid volunteer role. As funding is secured, paid positions or contract roles may be offered in the future.

Benefits

• Build the Foundation – play a critical role in securing the resources that make the mission possible.
• Professional Impact – add high‑profile, cutting‑edge democracy‑building projects to your portfolio.
• Flexible & Remote – work from anywhere with a team that values efficiency and high‑level strategy.
• Purpose‑Driven – see the direct correlation between your writing and the dismantling of institutional corruption.
• Access – collaborate directly with leadership, analysts, and organizers building the future of civic resistance.