AEDS - Fund Development Project; LitMN VISTA

African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008. Our mission is to build economic, community, and social wealth in African immigrant communities in the United States by providing culturally grounded support and services to businesses, leaders and collaborations. We advance economic mobility through entrepreneurship support, financial and digital literacy, home ownership education and community-centered initiatives such as Little Africa Plaza.

To sustain and expand our impact, we are strengthening our fund development and organizational capacity. This Ameri Corps VISTA Literacy Leadership project focuses on building long-term fundraising systems by improving grant research and tracking processes, strengthening relationships with funders and partners, integrating digital tools, and supporting data-driven evaluation and storytelling. Through this capacity-building work, the Ameri Corps VISTA Literacy Leader helps ensure we can secure the resources needed to grow programs and deepen community impact.

Serving with AEDS offers meaningful experience in nonprofit fund development, partnership building, and performance measurement within a mission-driven, culturally rich environment. Ameri Corps VISTA members gain transferable skills that support future careers in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community development while contributing to sustainable, community-led change.

• Develop and implement an action plan to create a fundraising database.
• Research and design a fund development system that will be rolled out to AEDS staff.
• Compile a platform of technology tools and resources that will aid with fund tracking, grant writing and fund utilization.
• Design and develop new program standards, forms and other materials to enhance correspondence and record-keeping.
• Evaluate and enhance the existing fund tracking system to improve its functionality.

The member will gain hands‑on professional development experience; build strong critical analysis, organizational capacity‑building, and fund development skills; and receive mentorship in nonprofit leadership.
* Position is part of the Literacy Leadership Ameri Corps VISTA program of Literacy Minnesota (LitMN). We foster an organizational culture that is welcoming to all. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Alternate start dates available. More info: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./americorps

• Relocation Allowance
• Health Coverage*
• Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
• Living Allowance
• Training
• One‑time housing support funds
• Education award upon successful completion of service
• Childcare assistance if eligible.

• Permits attendance at school during off hours
• Permits working at another job during off hours
• Car recommended.

• Community and Economic Development
• Entrepreneur/Business
• Technology
• Community Outreach
• Education