Grant Writer
Covenant House Illinois
Chicago, IL
Job Title(s): Grant Writer
Department: Development
Reports To: Associate Director of Institutional Giving
Direct Reports: NA
Classification: Exempt
Grant Writer
The Grant Writer plays a key role in securing institutional funding that sustains and expands CHIL’s programs. This position is responsible for researching funding opportunities, writing compelling grant proposals, managing reporting requirements, and collaborating closely with internal teams to tell the story of our work and outcomes.
This role reports to the Associate Director of Institutional Giving.
About Covenant House Illinois
Founded in 2017, Covenant House Illinois (CHIL) provides critical housing, resources, and support to young people ages 18–24 experiencing homelessness across Chicagoland and throughout Illinois. To date, we’ve served nearly 2,000 youth through trauma-informed, youth-affirming, and harm-reduction–rooted services including interim and transitional housing, workforce and education programs, clinical case management, and life-skills training.
With a newly renovated campus on Chicago’s West Side and an ambitious three-year strategic plan focused on program expansion and innovation, CHIL is entering an exciting period of growth—and we’re looking for a talented Grant Writer to help fuel our impact.
Key Responsibilities
Mission & Standards
Uphold CHIL’s mission, values, and standards of conduct at all times
Follow organizational policies and procedures
Research & Prospecting
Identify and research grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government sources
Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar, tracking deadlines, requirements, and reporting obligations
Monitor funding trends and best practices related to youth homelessness
Support development of a strategic, proactive grants pipeline
Grant Writing & Proposal Development
Write clear, compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting materials
Tailor proposals to funder guidelines and priorities
Collaborate with program staff to gather data, outcomes, and success stories
Ensure timely submission of all proposals and maintain organized records
Enter all grant activity and funder interactions into CHIL’s CRM
Grant Reporting & Compliance
Prepare accurate, timely narrative and financial grant reports
Partner with Finance, Programs, and Quality Improvement & Outcomes teams to collect and verify data
Track reporting deadlines and ensure full compliance with funder requirements
Manage reporting calendars to allow adequate lead time for internal data collection
Collaboration & Coordination
Work with the Associate Director of Institutional Giving and CDO to develop and update case statements, boilerplate language, and proposal materials
Support internal teams in aligning funding needs with grant opportunities
Participate in funder meetings and external stakeholder conversations as needed
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in a related field (English, Communications, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or similar)
2–4 years of experience in grant writing, fundraising, or related work
Skills & Abilities
Excellent writing, research, and analytical skills
Ability to translate complex data into clear, persuasive narratives
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to work independently, manage multiple deadlines, and collaborate cross-functionally
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with grant management systems preferred (Raiser’s Edge a plus)
Demonstrated passion for CHIL’s mission and serving young people experiencing homelessness