Grant Writer

Jo b Title : Development Officer - Grant Writer Hours: 30 hours/week (Permanent/Full-time) 6 Month Contract Salary: $48,734 annually + comprehensive benefits Start Date: Immediate ABOUT THE STOP: The Stop Community Food Centre’s mission is to increase access to healthy food in a manner that maintains dignity, builds community and challenges inequality. The Stop began 40 years ago as one of North America’s first food banks, and has since grown into a vibrant community centre that uses food as a gateway to addressing many issues, including poverty, the environment, social isolation, and health in one of Toronto’s lowest-income neighbourhoods. THE OPPORTUNITY: Reporting to the Manager, Major Gifts, the Grant Writer is responsible for leading The Stop's grant fundraising efforts. This role develops compelling proposals and reports, manages relationships with foundation, corporate, institutional, and other funders and prospects, conducts prospect research, and supports the development of fundraising strategies aligned with organizational priorities. Working closely with program and finance staff, the Grant Writer develops strong cases for support, translates program outcomes into persuasive funding applications, and ensures all grant-related deadlines and reporting requirements are met. This position is based primarily in-person at The Stop’s 1884 Davenport Rd. location, with regular engagement across program sites to develop a deep understanding of current programming, emerging needs, and organizational priorities. As a key member of the Development team, this role contributes directly to achieving The Stop's fundraising goals. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop, write, and submit grant applications, letters of inquiry, reports, and other funding-related communications. Manage a portfolio of funders and grant opportunities through cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and reporting activities. Conduct ongoing prospect research to identify new foundation, corporate, and institutional funding opportunities. Build strong working relationships with program staff through regular in-person engagement to maintain a thorough understanding of The Stop's programs, priorities, and impact. Collaborate with program and finance teams to gather information, develop budgets, and prepare compelling funding proposals and reports. Develop and maintain case for support materials, impact narratives, and other fundraising content. Maintain a grants calendar and ensure all application, reporting, and stewardship deadlines are met. Track funding opportunities, submissions, grant awards, and funder communications. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the fundraising database and contribute to pipeline, forecasting, and departmental reporting. Participate in other Development team initiatives as required. QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: Minimum three years of experience in grant writing, foundation fundraising, or a related fundraising role. Demonstrated success securing grants and managing foundation relationships. Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to communicate impact clearly and persuasively. Strong research, organizational, and project management skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines. Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate records. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Experience working with fundraising databases and donor management systems. Knowledge of fundraising best practices and grant making trends. Commitment to anti-racism, anti-oppression, community-centered fundraising, and The Stop's mission and values.