Grant Research And Writing Assistance

We are seeking a skilled Grant Writer & Researcher to support our fundraising efforts by identifying new funding opportunities and crafting compelling grant proposals. As a grassroots organization, securing sustainable funding is crucial to expanding our programs and increasing our impact on young people across New York City.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Conduct research to identify potential grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
Assist in drafting and refining grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting documents.
Analyze funding trends to align grant applications with YNY’s mission and strategic goals.
Support the development of a grant tracking system to manage deadlines and submission requirements.
Ideal Skills & Experience:

Experience in grant writing, nonprofit development, or fundraising research.
Strong writing and research skills with attention to detail.
Familiarity with arts-based programming, youth justice initiatives, or social impact work is a plus.

At Young New Yorkers (YNY), we believe in the power of art, activism, and community to transform lives—especially for court-involved youth. Our programs provide young people with alternatives to incarceration, equipping them with creative tools to express themselves, heal, and develop leadership skills.

By supporting us as a Grant Writer & Researcher, you will play a critical role in expanding our reach and deepening our impact. Your work will help us:

Secure vital funding to sustain and grow our diversion programs, ensuring more young people can participate.
Increase access to resources, such as mental health support, art therapy, and mentorship opportunities.
Expand community engagement by funding public exhibitions, workshops, and leadership initiatives for young people.
Your expertise in grant writing and research will directly contribute to our ability to divert hundreds of young people from the criminal legal system and empower them to build brighter futures. With your help, we can break cycles of incarceration and create new pathways of opportunity for youth across New York City.

By joining us, you're not just writing grants—you’re investing in a movement for justice, creativity, and change. We can’t wait to collaborate with you!

At Young New Yorkers (YNY), we are deeply committed to ensuring that our volunteers have a meaningful and well-supported experience. Our team is prepared and eager to collaborate with a Grant Writer & Researcher to strengthen our fundraising efforts and expand our impact.

Our Readiness & Commitment:
Internal Buy-In: Leadership and program staff are fully aligned on the importance of securing additional funding and are ready to support this initiative. We have a dedicated point of contact who will ensure smooth communication and collaboration.
Existing Materials & Data: We have detailed program descriptions, impact data, and previous grant applications to help streamline the writing process. This ensures that volunteers have the necessary context and resources to be successful.
Proven Track Record: We’ve successfully worked with volunteers through Taproot Plus and other pro bono initiatives in the past, implementing their contributions to drive real change within our organization.
Implementation Plan: The research and proposals developed through this project will directly feed into our grant submission pipeline, helping us secure funding for critical arts-based diversion programs. Our team is prepared to take the work forward and turn opportunities into sustainable funding.