Grant Writer (1099 Contractor) - District of Columbia, United States

One Tree Planted is a leading global nonprofit organization dedicated to reforestation and nature-based solutions. Our mission is to foster a sustainable and resilient future through innovative nature-based solutions rooted in the science of trees. We envision a future where clim ...

Job description

One Tree Planted is a leading global nonprofit organization dedicated to reforestation and nature-based solutions. Our mission is to foster a sustainable and resilient future through innovative nature-based solutions rooted in the science of trees. We envision a future where climate change is mitigated, biodiversity thrives, and the well-being of life on Earth is transformed through the power of trees. With a global network of partners and volunteers, we're committed to restoring vital ecosystems, mitigating climate change, and supporting local communities one tree at a time.

The ideal start date for this position is immediately.

PURPOSE:

The grant writer will be responsible for securing significant private and corporate foundation funding to support One Tree Planted's global reforestation and landscape restoration programs. We are looking for a highly skilled grant professional who can independently manage the full grant lifecycle from prospect research to pipeline development to proposal submission, funder stewardship and reporting. The independant contractor will maintain a strong pipeline of high quality funding opportunities and is expected to secure $2,500,000 to $2,750,000 USD in awarded grant revenue during the contracted term. The ideal contractor is a strong writer, detail oriented, proactive and able to collaborate effectively with internal teams to position One Tree Planted for greater impact.

Reporting Relationships

• Works in coordination with Development Director

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION

Grant Pipeline Development & Prospecting 

• Conduct Prospect Research and qualify private and corporate foundation opportunities. 
• Build and maintain a pipeline totaling $8,000,000 - $12,000,000 in prospective requests. 
• Create and maintain a grant calendar with submissions deadlines, reporting and follow up actions. 

Proposal Development & Submission 

• Draft high quality LOIs, concept notes and full proposal aligned with One Tree Planted Priorities. 
• Develop persuasive narratives, case making materials and funder aligned messaging. 
• Coordinate with Programs and Finance to develop accurate, compliant proposal budgets. 

Funder Stewardship & Follow up 

• Manage follow-ups, steward funder relationships and support engagement efforts.
• Track all submissions, decisions and outcomes in OTP systems.

Reporting & Documentation 

• Prepare all required interim and final reports due during the contract period. 

Quarterly Targets

• Q1: Build pipeline; complete initial submissions totaling $1.5M-$2.5M.
• Q2: Increase submission volume (cumulative $4M-$5.5M) and secure early awards ($750K-$1M).
• Q3: Ongoing Grant Submission, Stewardship, Follow-up and Revenue Consolidation (cumulative $1.75M-$2M).
• Q4: Ongoing Grant Submission, Final awards, reporting and achievement of $2.5M-$2.75M revenue target. 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:
BACHELOR'S DEGREE or  acceptable combination of equivalent experience

RELATED EXPERIENCE: Minimum 3+ years in grant writing or fundraising for nonprofits.

• Demonstrated success securing foundation or corporate grants. 
• Experience managing a pipeline of active prospects and developing compelling proposals.
• Strong track record meeting deadlines, managing deliverables, and producing high quality work.
• Experience collaborating with program, finance and cross functional teams.
• Familiarity with CRM or grant management systems preferred. 

SKILLS:

• Exceptional written communication skills with ability to craft persuasive proposals.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Highly organized, detail oriented and able to manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and proactively in a remote team environment.
• A passion for reforestation, conservation and environmental impact.

COMPENSATION

CONTRACT COMPENSATION: $6,000 - $6,250 USD per month for a contract term running through 12/31/2026. This reflects a fixed 1099 contractor payment structure, not an employee salary. 

IDEAL LOCATION:
North America time zones (to support timely collaboration with internal teams and funders). 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

1. A brief statement of interest
   • Highlight your experience with grant writing. Describe your success securing foundation or corporate funding. 
   • Your Resume or CV
2. 2-3 writing samples 
   • Include grant proposals, LOIs, Concept notes or similar materials. 
   • At least one should be your original writing (not written or edited by others). 
3. A short list of recent grants secured (optional but preferred) 
   • Funders name 
   • Award Amount 
   • Your role in  securing the grant
   • Year awarded
4. Proposed Contractor Day Rate
5. Contact information for two professional references. 

This is an independent contractor role, not an employee position. The contractor is responsible for their own taxes, benefits, insurance and equipment. Compensation reflects payment for services rendered under the terms of this agreement and does not constitute salary or wages. No employer-employee relationship is created by this engagement.