Founded in 2017, Covenant House Illinois (CHIL) provides critical protection and resources for youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness throughout Chicagoland and across Illinois. With a newly renovated base of operations, increased capacity to serve greater numbers of youth, a slate of new and expanded programs, and a recently enacted strategic vision guiding growth and service delivery over the next three years, CHIL is primed to become Chicago’s premier agency serving young people experiencing homelessness. 

 

To help us achieve our goals and ensure Chicago’s youth receive the services they need to successfully break the cycle of homelessness, CHIL is seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to work on the continued growth of our institutional funding portfolio as Grants Manager. This key position is responsible for grant research, writing, and the application and reporting process for all Covenant House Illinois programs and services.  

 

Department: Development 

Reports to: Director of Development 

Position Description: 

 

Job Duties: 

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

 

Research Funding Opportunities: 

  • Identify potential grant opportunities from government agencies, foundations, corporations, and other grant-making organizations.  

  • Stay updated on relevant grant opportunities, deadlines, and requirements through the creation and management of a grant calendar.  

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of CHIL’s funding needs, programs, and relevant research on youth experiencing homelessness. 

 

Grant Proposal Writing: 

  • Prepare high-quality grant proposals and grant applications in accordance with the guidelines and requirements of each funding source.  

  • Clearly articulate the organization’s goals, objectives, and impact to potential funders.  

  • Collaborate with program staff and subject matter experts to gather necessary information and data for proposals. Keep up to date on trends in the homelessness sector and in Chicago.  

  • Ensure that all proposals are submitted in a timely and professional manner, meeting all deadlines. 

  • Maintain and update files with records of submissions and correspondence with funding organizations.  

 

Grant Reporting: 

  • Prepare and submit required progress reports to funders, demonstrating the organization’s impact and proper utilization of funds.  

  • Work across departments and with senior leadership to ensure contract compliance and report submission is timely and accurate.  

  • Manage reporting calendar to ensure staff has ample time to give requested metrics, both financial and programmatic.  

  • Stay informed about regulatory requirements related to grant applications and reporting.  

  • Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.  

 

Relationship Building: 

  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with funders and grant-making organizations.  

  • Participate in meetings, conferences, and events relevant to grant opportunities and the non-profit sector.  

 

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., English, Communications, Social Work, Non-Profit Management).  

  • Three to five years’ experience in fund development, grant writing, or other philanthropic functions, with continuously increasing responsibility. 

  • Strong research and analytical skills.  

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and grant management software.  

  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.  

  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.  

  • Familiarity with the issues and challenges related to youth homelessness is a plus.  

This position has been filled. Would you like to see our other open positions?