About the role

• The Grant Writer will play a critical role in advancing the mission of StrongSteps Behavioral Health Foundation by securing funding to support mental health services across Upstate New York. This position is responsible for identifying grant opportunities, writing compelling proposals, and managing the full grant lifecycle—from research and application to reporting and compliance.
• This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is passionate about mental health, community impact, and storytelling through data and real-life outcomes. The Grant Writer will work closely with leadership to translate program needs—such as housing support, care management, and food access initiatives—into strong, fundable proposals that drive real change in the communities we serve.
• The role offers flexibility and the chance to directly contribute to expanding access to essential services for underserved populations, including individuals facing housing instability, food insecurity, and behavioral health challenges.

What you'll do

• Research and identify local, state, and national grant opportunities aligned with our mission
• Write, edit, and submit high-quality grant proposals, letters of inquiry (LOIs), and funding applications
• Maintain a grant calendar with deadlines, deliverables, and reporting requirements
• Collaborate with leadership to gather program data, budgets, and impact stories
• Track submitted grants, approvals, denials, and funding amounts
• Ensure compliance with all grant requirements, including reporting and documentation
• Prepare grant reports, updates, and renewal applications
• Build and maintain relationships with funders, foundations, and community partners
• Assist in developing program narratives for new initiatives (housing, food access, 1115 services, etc.)
• Support broader fundraising efforts when needed (events, sponsorships, donor materials)

Qualifications

• Experience in grant writing, fundraising, nonprofit development, or a related field
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills
• Ability to translate program data into compelling narratives
• Organized and detail-oriented with strong deadline management skills
• Comfortable working independently and managing multiple projects
• Familiarity with mental health, social services, or nonprofit work (preferred)
• Experience with grant databases/tools (e.g., Instrumental, GrantWatch, Foundation Directory) is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or related field (preferred, not required)

Compensation & Schedule

• Flexible schedule (part-time or contract-based)
• Remote-friendly
• Compensation options:
• • Hourly: $20–$30/hour (based on experience)
  • OR per grant/project-based pay
  • Performance incentives/bonuses for awarded grants may be available

About StrongSteps Behavioral Health Foundation

StrongSteps Behavioral Health Foundation is a nonprofit, peer-led organization dedicated to improving access to mental health support and essential services across Upstate New York. Our work is grounded in lived experience, allowing us to connect with individuals in a way that is authentic, compassionate, and effective.

We focus on addressing real-life barriers that impact well-being, including access to housing, care coordination, and community-based support services. By meeting individuals where they are, we help them navigate complex systems and build pathways toward stability and long-term success.

Through partnerships with healthcare providers, community organizations, and local resources, we ensure individuals receive the support they need to move forward with confidence.

What We Do

At StrongSteps, we provide services that directly support individuals facing mental health and life stability challenges, including:

• Care management and service coordination
• Housing navigation and support services
• Connections to food, healthcare, and community resources
• Advocacy and guidance through complex systems

Our approach is rooted in peer support principles — we believe lived experience is a powerful tool for building trust, promoting recovery, and creating meaningful change.

Why Work With StrongSteps

Working at StrongSteps is more than just a job — it’s an opportunity to make a real impact in people’s lives every single day.

Peer-Led, Mission-Driven Work

You’ll be part of a team that values lived experience and uses it to guide meaningful, person-centered support.