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Grant Writer Volunteer for Progressive Non-Profit
Dear Kind Potential Volunteers:
Part I: Introduction
This volunteer job posting has 5 sections. Part I is this introduction outlining what comprises this posting, Part II describes
who we are at VoterPunch, Part III is a description of the specific nature of the project that we're trying to recruit you to
help us out with. Part IV is what we need you (or whoever the volunteer winds up being) to do. Part V is a description of
the qualifications that you need to have in order to be able to successfully execute this meaningful work for us and to enjoy
yourself at the same time.
Part II: VoterPunch Description
VoterPunch is an educational service, the goal of which is to enhance participation in the increasingly vital arena of internet
activism by informing and inspiring Americans to fulfill their responsibilities as citizens. Designed as a nonpartisan voting
record service, VoterPunch makes it easy for individuals to both learn about what is happening on Capitol Hill and to
interact with their elected officials, whether to praise, chide, or demand support before a vote happens on the floor of
Congress.
Presently, VoterPunch can be seen in action powering the informative website www.ProgressivePunch.org which serves as
a demonstration site for VoterPunch. ProgressivePunch.org displays highly detailed, up to the moment, expert analysis of
all important votes that are taken in Congress. ProgressivePunch.org uses a ranking system so that people can see how
progressively their representative scores within the spectrum of overall voting records, in the 14 master categories and 154
subcategories created by VoterPunch. Additionally, the site features ultra-easily accessible info from VoterPunch displaying
how members of Congress voted on a vote by vote basis. Detailed vote descriptions are original content, written for
VoterPunch by Congressional scholars. We are a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization able to and seeking tax deductible
contributions to further expand our capabilities.
Part III: Immediate Goals
We are currently in the process of seeking funding so that we can do even more to empower citizens to question and
challenge their members of Congress. Our immediate goals include:
- combining our database with a database of campaign finance records so that we can illustrate the link between campaign contributions and instances when politicians vote against the public's best interest. Arguably the biggest current flaw in American democracy, the correlation between campaign financing and voting behavior has never been effectively illustrated before, meaning VoterPunch may be the first to accomplish this groundbreaking feat;
- creating a thank or spank email function on our website that allows visitors to easily give politicians feedback on their actions; and
- producing a tool for Bloggers that allows them to instantly link to a given politician's voting record whenever that politician's name is typed into the blog so that Bloggers can easily challenge or support a claim that's made.
In order to make these exciting projects happen, we need funding, which we're attempting to get from various foundations and independent funders.
Part IV: Volunteer Project Description
What we're looking for is a volunteer to assist us in tailoring the funding proposal we've just made for submission to
various foundations and funding sources. Your job will be to customize the basic proposal (that we've already written) as
needed to fit both the submission requirements and the ideological interests of each foundation. We've already done the
background work of identifying the foundations we're interested in sending our proposal to and in obtaining their
submission guidelines and a sense of their philosophical focus. All the right volunteer needs to do is to adjust the funding
proposal we've created, via writing and formatting, so that it complies with the specific requirements of each foundation
and so that it resonates with the decision makers within the foundations.
Part V: Qualifications of an Ideal Candidate
An ideal candidate for this position would, first and foremost, be able to write cogently for the foundation world. They
would also be meticulous and good at drawing out the distinctions, philosophically, between different foundations. They
should also be able to take initiative in doing the work on his/her own and yet also follow our directions precisely.
Desired skills include strong writing ability, knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, strong organization skills, and clear
communication skills. Knowledge in any or all of the following areas is highly desirable, but not essential: Grant Writing,
the Foundation Community, Civic Participation, Democracy, Voter Engagement, and/or Campaign Finance.
We need someone who would be able to work from home (Internet access is a must) and who would check in regularly
with us. The basic process will look something like this:
- Once we decide on an applicant, we will have them come into the office for an initial briefing. In that meeting they will receive materials and instructions.
- Each time the volunteer customizes a proposal, they'll send it in to us, and we'll provide feedback and editing.
- The volunteer will then make the suggested changes and resubmit until the proposal is ready to be sent to its funder. We will regularly monitor your progress and provide guidance and support.
This project is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about the world of philanthropy, to hone professional skills and
to get involved with a progressive, internet based, political non-profit.
Please send a letter of interest and resume to: jobs@voterpunch.org.
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