Grant Writer; Chicago, IL; Volunteer

Overview

The A&N Career Services Project is an initiative aimed at providing career access and professional development to support individuals during career transitions, workforce re-entry, and long-term growth. Our work is based on the belief that talent exists in every community, but access to guidance, networks, and systems that promote career mobility is often unequal. We work to close these gaps by offering human-centered, structured support that helps individuals gain clarity, confidence, and sustainable pathways forward.

Through career navigation, professional development programs, coaching, and employer-informed learning opportunities, we assist participants in setting their goals, enhancing transferable skills, and connecting their aspirations with real-world opportunities. Our approach emphasizes dignity, accountability, and informed decision-making recognizing that career progress isn’t always linear and that access to opportunity requires both preparation and support. As a growing initiative, we collaborate with volunteers, partners, and advisors committed to broadening career access, strengthening professional ecosystems, and advancing economic mobility.

Volunteers are essential in helping us deliver quality services, foster community connections, and expand our impact. The A&N Career Services Project operates under a fiscally sponsored model through a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, enabling us to pursue our mission with strong governance, accountability, and charitable oversight.

A&N Career Services Project is a career services and workforce readiness initiative supporting individuals as they navigate career transitions, build readiness, and connect with opportunity. Our work centers on practical guidance, employer engagement, and community-informed programming that strengthens career pathways. The Project is currently in its launch and growth phase. Volunteers joining at this stage will contribute to establishing the foundation, voice, and systems that support our programs and partnerships as they expand.

The Grant Writer supports the development of funding opportunities that advance the mission and sustainability of the A&N Career Services Project. This role focuses on researching, drafting, and supporting grant proposals aligned with workforce development, career mobility, education, and community impact initiatives. This is a strategic, writing-focused volunteer role ideal for individuals interested in nonprofit development, philanthropy, or public-sector funding. The Grant Writer will collaborate closely with leadership and work in coordination with a Atlanta-based Grant Writer to ensure alignment, consistency, and shared learning across cohorts.

This volunteer role is virtual-first and designed to offer flexibility for participants based in Chiago and beyond. Volunteers will participate primarily through remote collaboration and meetings throughout the cohort period. A brief in-person orientation will be hosted virtually at the start of the cohort to welcome volunteers, share context on the work, and foster early connection. During the 12-week cohort, volunteers may also be invited to optional in-person meetings, events, or convenings aligned with cohort activities and A&N programming.

These opportunities are designed to enhance connection, professional exposure, and engagement within the A&N network. General in-person cohort meetings may be held up to three times during the 12-week period, and lunch will be provided for volunteers who attend. Participation in in-person activities is optional and intended as an enrichment opportunity rather than a requirement.

• Research prospective grant opportunities aligned with organizational priorities
• Draft and support grant narratives, letters of inquiry, and proposal content
• Collaborate with leadership to gather program descriptions, outcomes, and budget inputs
• Track grant opportunities, deadlines, and submission requirements
• Coordinate with the Atlanta-based Grant Writer to align messaging, templates, and proposal strategy
• Support preparation for post-award reporting as needed
• Maintain organized documentation related to grant submissions and funder research
• Participate virtually. Occasional, flexible, and optional in-person meetings or events in the Chicago area, as available

More than one volunteer may be selected for this role based on project needs.

• Have strong writing, research, and editing skills, with the ability to translate program impact into clear, compelling narratives
• Are detail-oriented and comfortable managing deadlines and multiple grant opportunities simultaneously
• Have an interest in nonprofit development, philanthropy, or public-sector funding (prior grant experience is helpful but not required)
• Are able to work independently while collaborating with leadership and cross-city peers in a virtual environment
• Are organized,…