Grant Writer

Job Title: Grant Writer

Location: Hybrid (Local to Denver preferred)

Reports to: Director of Business Development & Community Engagement

Employment Type: Part-Time, Contractor

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with criminal histories as they transform their lives, while also working to alter the community’s perception of the incarcerated population. Our holistic approach includes an in-facility career education program, community engagement, re-entry support, a fair opportunity hiring program, and criminal justice advocacy initiatives.

Our in-facility program teaches career readiness and character development through an evidence-based curriculum, with the latter half of the program focusing on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset during which participants create business ideas. Community members are welcomed into the facility to serve as volunteer coaches. Post-release, staff connect participants to wraparound services and maintain weekly contact for the first month of re-entry. Additionally, our Fair Opportunity Employment project recruits fair opportunity partners and develops resources to support fair opportunity hiring practices. Advocacy is another cornerstone of our mission, where we spread information and engage the community to promote a more equitable and productive justice system.

We believe in the shared humanity of all people. Every person deserves to be seen, heard, and challenged to rise above their past and breakthrough to a better future.

Mission: Breakthrough empowers individuals in the criminal legal system to achieve their highest potential through in-prison education, community reintegration, and professional development, breaking barriers and building skills for lifelong transformation.

Values:

• Optimism: Radical hope for tomorrow, rooted in experience and understanding.
• Inclusivity: Accepting people as they are and fostering true connections.
• Empathy: Bold and courageous compassion that sees humanity beyond one’s own perspective.
• Responsibility: Fearless accountability and a steadfast commitment to justice and self-improvement.

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Grant Writer to join our team at Breakthrough. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of securing grant funding, exceptional writing and research skills, and the ability to effectively communicate the mission and impact of our organization to foundation funders. The Grant Writer will be responsible for preparing compelling proposals and ensuring compliance with grant requirements. 

Key Responsibilities

• Grant Research and Identification:
• Research and identify public, private, corporate, and foundation grant opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Maintain a database of potential grant opportunities and submission deadlines.
• Proposal Development and Submission:
• Write, edit, and submit high-quality grant proposals, applications, and supporting documents.
• Collaborate with the Director of Business Development to gather relevant organizational and programming information to ensure proposals align with program needs and organizational priorities.
• Tailor grant proposals to meet the specific guidelines and priorities of each funder.
• Grant Management and Compliance:
• Maintain detailed records of grant applications, awarded grants, and reporting deadlines.
• Assist the Director of Business Development in preparing reports and documentation for funders, ensuring compliance with all grant requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience in grant writing with a successful track record of securing funding.
• Knowledge of local and national funding landscapes.
• Excellent writing, editing, and research skills.
• Familiarity with grant application processes for government, foundation, and corporate funders.
• Ability to understand and articulate program goals and outcomes effectively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in using grant management software and Bloomerang.



Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in criminal justice reform work and/or in-prison educational programming.

Compensation and Benefits

• This position will be a 1099 contract employee, with an expected hourly rate of $30-$45 per hour