Grant Strategist & Writer

 

Organization: RISE Travel Institute

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: Remote (U.S. based, authorized to work/receive payments in the U.S.)

Engagement Type: Independent Contractor

Time Commitment: 10 to 20 hours per month under a 12-month contract

Compensation: $30–$45 per hour, commensurate with experience

 

About RISE Travel Institute

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RISE Travel Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating a more just and equitable world through travel education. RISE equips travelers and tourism professionals with the tools, frameworks, and community needed to practice responsible, impactful, sustainable, and ethical travel. Our work includes certificate programs, workshops, podcasts, educational resources, and experiential learning opportunities, all grounded in systems thinking, sustainability, and equity.

 

Role Summary

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RISE Travel Institute is seeking an experienced Grant Strategist & Writer to support our early-stage fundraising efforts. This role goes beyond grant writing alone. We are looking for a strategic partner who can identify, evaluate, and prioritize funding opportunities, advise on

where RISE should focus its limited capacity, and develop strong, mission-aligned grant proposals.

 

Our ideal candidate brings sound judgment, a strong understanding of the funding landscape, and the ability to say no to low-fit opportunities while focusing energy on grants with the highest likelihood of success.

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Click to: https://forms.gle/r8pBHSNru4rv2hNW8 

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Key Responsibilities

 

Strategic Grant Prospecting & Evaluation

 

• Research and identify foundation, corporate, and other mission-aligned grants

• Assess funder fit, competitiveness, and return on investment

• Make recommendations based on strategic fit and feasibility

• Build and maintain a prioritized grant prospect pipeline and funding calendar

 

Grant Writing & Proposal Development

 

• Lead the development and submission of grant proposals, including narratives, budgets, and supporting materials

• Tailor proposals to funder priorities, guidelines, and evaluation criteria

• Translate mission, programs, and impact into compelling, funder-ready narratives

 

Planning & Collaboration

• Coordinate with RISE leadership and volunteers to gather program details, outcomes, metrics, and budget information

• Establish and recommend improvements to clear, repeatable grant processes for a growing nonprofit, including templates and systems to strengthen grant development over time

 

Reporting & Follow-Up (as needed)

• Support grant reporting requirements, including progress and outcome summaries.

• Track submission outcomes and provide insights to refine future grant strategy.

 

Experience & Qualifications

 

Required

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• 3+ years of grant writing and grant strategy experience, preferably with nonprofits

• Demonstrated success securing foundation and/or corporate grants

• Strong ability to evaluate and prioritize grants based on fit and likelihood of success

• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills

• Comfort working with budgets and budget narratives

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and deliver high-quality work with minimal oversight

• High level of professionalism, reliability, and discretion with sensitive organizational information

• Demonstrated knowledge of nonprofit funding trends, grant compliance requirements, and best practices in grant writing

• Model and promote equity, inclusion, and accessibility in fundraising communications, donor outreach, and supporter engagement efforts

• Proficiency with standard productivity and collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Slack, grant databases or tracking tools)

• Ability to advise on grant readiness, funding strategy, or pipeline development

 

Preferred / Nice to Have

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• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, communications, or related field

• Subject-matter familiarity aligned with the organization’s mission areas (travel/tourism, education, sustainability, climate, equity, or social impact sectors)

• Experience collaborating remotely with nonprofit leadership and stakeholders

• Experience working with early-stage or resource-constrained nonprofits

• Experience using grant prospecting or tracking tools

 

What Success Looks Like

 

Within the first 6 months, success in this role may include:

 

• A clear, prioritized list of funders aligned with RISE’s strategy and capacity

• Submission of targeted, high-quality grant proposals with strong alignment and clarity

• A manageable grant calendar and internal process supporting ongoing fundraising efforts

• Strategic guidance that helps RISE focus on the most promising funding opportunities

 

Compensation & Perks

 

Compensation

 

• $30–$45 per hour, commensurate with experience and scope of work

• Initial monthly engagement is expected to align with current budget capacity

• Opportunity for increased scope and compensation as funding and organizational needs evolve

 

Perks:

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• Discounts on RISE experiential journeys, events, and programs

• Complimentary or discounted access to select online courses and educational offerings

• First-hand exposure to emerging trends in sustainable and responsible travel

• Opportunities to connect with global community of sustainability-minded travel professionals

• Meaningful contribution to a growing nonprofit advancing travel education 

 

How to Apply

 

Interested candidates should complete the application, submitting the following materials:

 

• A resume or CV outlining relevant grant writing and nonprofit experience

• A brief cover letter describing relevant grant strategy experience.

• One to two grant writing samples or summaries of funded proposals

• Hourly rate expectations

 

We review submissions on a rolling basis and will be in touch with next steps within approximately 7 days.

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Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-oppression are imperative to upholding the mission of RISE Travel Institute. We are an Equal Opportunity Organization and we strive to create an inclusive learning and working environment where individual differences are respected, valued and embraced. We share a passion for improving people's lives. We are committed to diversity in our recruitment and encourage people to apply from historically underrepresented groups. Diversity not only includes race and gender identity, but also age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion and many other parts of one’s identity. All of our team members’ points of view are key to our success, and inclusion is everyone's responsibility.

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RISE Travel Institute is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit under EIN#85-1525205 http://www.risetravelinstitute.org

 

Rev. 2026.02.02 - csb/board

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KBWC5EFWJEglnEqBlx_g90Gxmipm4Cya/edit

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