Volunteer Grant Research & Candid Specialist

Volunteer Candid & Grant Research Specialist

We are seeking an experienced volunteer to strengthen our grant‑research systems and identify well‑aligned funding opportunities. This remote volunteer will evaluate our Candid presence, research prospective funders, assess grant eligibility, and develop a qualified funding pipeline supporting our national animal‑welfare mission and Texas pilot work. This role is research‑ and systems‑focused; it is not primarily a grant‑writing position.

• Audit The Animal Cause’s current Candid nonprofit profile.
• Review the organization’s profile completeness, accuracy, public presentation, and Seal of Transparency status.
• Recommend and help implement profile improvements using authorized organizational information.
• Use Candid Search and other reputable grant‑research sources to identify prospective funders.
• Research private foundations, community foundations, corporate giving programs, government opportunities, and in‑kind resources.
• Identify opportunities related to animal welfare, shelter support and animal visibility, animal transport, veterinary and preventative care, foster and adoption initiatives, volunteer infrastructure, technology and capacity building, vehicles, equipment, facilities, land, women founders and women‑led organizations, community resilience and emergency animal response.
• Analyze prospects for eligibility requirements, geographic priorities, funding interests, typical grant amounts, prior grantees, application cycles, deadlines, restrictions, required documents, contact and relationship‑building opportunities.
• Review funder websites, Form 990 filings, grant histories, guidelines and proposals.
• Record qualified opportunities in the organization’s grant master spreadsheet.
• Assign recommended priority levels based on eligibility, mission alignment, timing, effort and probability of success.
• Prepare concise prospect summaries for leadership review.
• Track recurring funding cycles and anticipated future openings.
• Flag opportunities requiring partnerships, matching funds, audited financials, operating history, transportation history, land ownership, or other prerequisites.
• Remove or label opportunities for which the organization does not currently qualify.
• Maintain accurate source links, deadlines, notes and follow‑up dates.
• Document research methods and processes to keep the system usable by future volunteers.
• Protect confidential information and account credentials.
• Submit no inquiry, letter of intent, profile change or grant application without authorization.

• Demonstrated experience using Candid, Candid Search, Foundation Directory, Guide Star or comparable nonprofit research tools.
• Experience researching grants and institutional funding opportunities.
• Ability to determine true eligibility for funding programs.
• Ability to research foundations through grant histories, Form 990 filings, prior recipients and guidelines.
• Strong analytical judgment and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Google Sheets or similar spreadsheet tools.
• Ability to maintain an organized grant pipeline and accurate records.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Ability to summarize complex requirements clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work independently while following approval procedures.
• Professionalism and discretion with organizational records and accounts.
• Interest in animal welfare and alignment with The Animal Cause mission and values.

• Previous nonprofit development, prospect‑research or institutional‑fundraising experience.
• Experience maintaining or improving a Candid nonprofit profile.
• Experience obtaining or maintaining a Candid Seal of Transparency.
• Relevant Candid training or coursework.
• Experience interpreting Form 990 filings.
• Experience researching animal‑welfare, capacity‑building, transportation, land, capital, or women‑led organization funding.
• Grant‑writing or letter‑of‑inquiry experience.
• Professional fundraising or grant credentials are welcomed but not required.

• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
• Applicants must be located within the United States.
• Consistent weekly availability and reliable communication are required.
• This is an unpaid volunteer position.
• Volunteers must complete required screening, agreements, confidentiality documentation and onboarding.
• Access to accounts and confidential records will be limited per assignment and authorization level.
• Volunteers may not publicly represent The Animal Cause or communicate with funders without written authorization.

This opportunity is not available for court‑ordered, probation‑ or parole‑related, diversion‑program, judgment‑related, school‑required, employer‑required, or otherwise mandated community‑service hours. The Animal Cause does not monitor, certify, verify, report, or provide documentation for compelled service‑hour requirements.