VOKRA (Do you love cats and have Grant Writing Experience?)

Organization Name: VOKRA
Opportunity Title: Do you love cats and have Grant Writing Experience?
Category: Fundraising & Sponsorship
Commitment: 6 months to 1 year
Start Date: December 16, 2023
End Date: June 30, 2024

Email: kdeweerdt@vokra.ca
Website: http://VOKRA.ca
Details:

• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and over

Opportunity Description:

Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association (VOKRA) is a volunteer-run charity cat/kitten rescue serving Vancouver and other surrounding municipalities in the Lower Mainland since 2000. Our Operations Centre in Vancouver is our headquarters and transition center where rescued cats are nursed to health before being placed in one of our 550 volunteer foster homes. Each year, we find forever-homes for 1200+ cats and kittens.

VOKRA’s mission is:

“To end cat overpopulation and cat homelessness. We rescue, heal, then home cats – first in our network of foster homes, then in carefully matched, loving, forever homes. We are a passionate, volunteer-driven charity with extensive cat care experience. We believe that no-kill is the only responsible approach, that TNR works, and that cats are awesome!”

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Grant Writer volunteer will be responsible for writing grant proposals based on their research to attain funds for major and specialized capital projects, as well as community services.  

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Builds grant-related material to support VOKRA’s operations by:

• Creating and managing a grant prospect list for the year; submitting list to the board for approval to ensure deadlines are met.
• Researching and identifying grant opportunities specific to animal rescue and not-for-profit organizations from government & non-government organizations, including corporate and private foundations 
• Gathering all supporting organizational documents to apply for funding to support our capital projects and specialized programs.
• Creating proposals with compelling narratives, including our rescue success stories, and ensuring they meet funder requirements.
• Researching VOKRA’s mandate, history, structure, objectives, programs, and financial needs.

Manages and maintains the grant database by:

• Updating and maintaining accurate grant submittal information with won or lost outcomes and correct funder contact information (if applicable).
• Tracking grant application status, noting if grants have been applied for, rejected, or received.
• Maintaining the database for easy annual use and updates.
• Analyzing rejected grants, documenting reasons to enhance future applications and improve success rates.

Part of the Fundraising Team and under the guidance and direction of the Fundraising Manager, will work both independently as well as part of a team.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

100% remote with 1-2 in-person meetings per year, location agreed upon by team members.

Qualifications & Attributes:

• 2+ years of grant writing experience or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong time management and research skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs and Google Docs.

• Ability to create and maintain relationships with various funders.

• Demonstrated ability to write persuasive grant proposals and funding applications, preferably within not-for-profit organizations.

• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work well within a team, self-motivation while working independently and positive attitude. 

• In-depth knowledge of cat rescue is an asset. 

• The ability to volunteer 5 hours min per week and check in when necessary.

We ask that only those who can make a serious commitment to volunteering with VOKRA apply for this role. 

Please apply with your resume to kdeweerdt@vokra.ca