For 15 years, The Honeycomb Project has redefined youth volunteerism, providing a platform for children aged 3-17 to discover their potential to shape the future. Through family-centered programs, we equip kids with meaningful ways to tackle pressing issuesfrom food insecurity to climate changewhile providing vital resources and support to local nonprofits during this time of immense need.

At Honeycomb, we believe kids are powerful leaders in our community. Our innovative multi-generational approach to volunteerism cultivates a sense of civic responsibility in children and a lifelong commitment to service. Together, families roll up their sleevescooking meals for shelters, planting urban gardens, restoring nature trailsand discover that change begins at home, in their own backyards.

Behind the scenes, Honeycomb is a small but mighty organization. Every member of our team is an ambassador of our mission, believing wholeheartedly in the importance of our work. Our organizations culture embodies innovation, optimism, collaboration, and social responsibility. We strive to instill a balance between bold initiatives, thoughtful strategies, rigorous production, and authentic interactions. In each other, we value flexibility, teamwork, integrity, and positivity.

Freelance | 1012 hours per month

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: Remote (occasional Zoom meetings)

We are seeking an experienced grants professional to help take Honeycombs institutional fundraising to the next level. This role will strengthen relationships with existing funders, identify and pursue new opportunities, and align grant strategy with Honeycombs organizational goals and growth plans.

The ideal consultant brings a strategic, data-informed approach to grant development while maintaining close attention to funding trends, funder priorities, and the nuanced requirements of individual foundations. This contractor will lead the full grants lifecycle, including strategy development, prospect research, cultivation planning, proposal writing, reporting, and stewardship.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experiencein grant writing or foundation relations with a demonstrated record of success in mission-driven organizations
• Personal familiarity with the Chicago nonprofit sector preferred
• Experience with Instrumental or comparable grant research and tracking tools
• Bachelors degree required

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Growth

• Develop and execute a multi-year grants strategy to double Honeycombs foundation revenue from $300K to $600K over the next three years.
• Align grant strategy with organizational priorities, program growth, and geographic expansion.
• Monitor regional and national philanthropic trends and advise leadership on emerging opportunities.

Grant Development & Management

• Lead and manage Honeycombs full grants pipeline, including research, proposal development, reporting, tracking, and compliance.
• Write and submit high-quality grant proposals, letters of inquiry, reports, and funder correspondence.
• Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar to ensure all deadlines are met.
• Organize and maintain accurate funder records, including proposals, budgets, reports, and communications.

Prospecting & Research

• Use Instrumental and other research tools to identify and qualify new foundation prospects on an ongoing basis.
• Analyze data and funding patterns to strengthen renewal strategies and expand support from existing funders.

Cultivation & Stewardship

• Design and support intentional cultivation and stewardship plans for current and prospective funders.
• Support outreach to program officers and assist in preparing Honeycomb staff and board members for funder meetings.
• Provide board members with tools, talking points, and follow-up materials to support stewardship and solicitation efforts.

Case for Support & Communications

• Refine and adapt Honeycombs case for support to clearly and persuasively convey mission, impact, and funding priorities across diverse funders.
• Translate program outcomes and organizational strategy into compelling, funder-aligned narratives.

Core Competencies

Grants Management Excellence

Demonstrated ability to manage the full grants lifecycle with accuracy, consistency, and strong follow-through.

Strategic Planning & Organization

Highly organized, able to manage multiple deadlines, anticipate needs, and maintain clear systems.

Research & Prospecting

Skilled at identifying aligned funding opportunities and building a strong, sustainable pipeline.

Initiative & Independence

Comfortable working independently, bringing new ideas forward, and proactively advancing strategy.

Communication & Storytelling

Exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to distill complex ideas into compelling funding narratives.

Mission Alignment

Deep commitment to family volunteering and the mission, values, and impact of The Honeycomb Project.

Role Details

• Freelance/contract position, 1012 hours per month
• Flexible schedule with periodic check-ins with the Executive Director
• Compensation commensurate with experience