Fast Facts

Join Understood as a part-time Grant Writing Contractor to deliver critical grant applications and support fundraising efforts for their nonprofit mission.

Responsibilities: The contractor will deliver at least 5 grant applications or impact reports, provide expertise in securing competitive grants, support revisions of program templates, and collaborate with team members as needed.

Skills: Minimum 5 years of grant writing experience with a record of securing large grants, proficiency in Google Suite, and strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications: Experience with project-based work and familiarity with communication tools like Slack or Jira are preferred.

Location: Remote role but must adhere to EST hours; based in New York, NY.

Compensation: $75 - $75 / Hourly

About Understood

Understood is a nonprofit focused on shaping the world for difference. We raise awareness of the challenges and strengths of people who learn and think differently. Our resources help people navigate challenges, gain confidence, and find support and community so they can thrive. 

Having a shared commitment to our values is a key factor in any hire we make. We have five core values: 

1. Continuously learn.
2. Act with intention.
3. Champion difference.
4. Inspire change.
5. Grow together. 

Come be part of an organization with an entrepreneurial spirit that’s helping to shape the world for difference. Together, we can build a world where everyone can reach their full potential. 

To learn more about Understood, please visit: www.understood.org.

Overview

Understood is seeking a contractor to support Understood.org’s grant writing needs on a deliverables-driven, time-limited basis. This is a contract role—not a full-time employee position—and the contractor will be engaged for their specialized expertise to complete clearly defined outputs within the contract term.

Scope of Work / Key deliverables

The contractor will be responsible for the following:

• Deliver at least 5 completed grant applications, concept papers, or impact reports by April 4, 2026
• Provide subject-matter expertise in securing grants from highly competitive national grants (private/corporate)
• Support revisions of template library for core programs that can be adapted for future high-level asks
• Collaborate with designated team members solely as needed to achieve project goals
• Submit work products, updates, or reports as outlined by the project lead

Note: Contractors maintain control over the means and methods of completing their work, provided they meet all deliverables.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years proven grant writing experience with evidence of securing 6- and 7-figure grants
• Must provide a portfolio, writing samples, and/or summary of successfully secured awards in the last 3 years, including at least one individual award exceeding $500K
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines with minimal oversight
• Proficiency in Google Suite
• Strong communication and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting contract-based or project-driven work
• Familiarity with Slack, Jira or similar team communication and project management tools

Contract Details

• Estimated Hours: 
• 5-10 hours per week
• Must be able to work EST hours
• Compensation: Approximately $75 per hour (based on experience) 
• Contractor is responsible for all taxes, insurance, and equipment required to perform services.

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