Request for Proposals: Grant Writer / Development Consultant

DCI is seeking a qualified Grant Writer / Development Consultant to support both immediate grant acquisition and the development of long-term fundraising infrastructure for a growing, community-based youth development organization. We need a consultant who can function as both a grant writer and strategic development partner, helping expand access to funding opportunities while building sustainable systems that strengthen organizational capacity over time. The ideal consultant will work closely with leadership to identify aligned funding opportunities, develop compelling grant proposals, and create practical processes for managing grants, reporting requirements, and funder relationships. Key areas of support include grant prospect research, grant writing and submission, development of grant tracking and reporting systems, funding pipeline management, and overall fundraising strategy support. We are looking for someone who can identify local, state, federal, foundation, and corporate funding opportunities that align with our programs and mission while helping establish a more structured and sustainable development function. We also need support creating and maintaining centralized grant management systems, strengthening organizational grant readiness, organizing submission and reporting processes, and identifying opportunities to build long-term relationships with funders. The selected consultant should be comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution and able to work independently while maintaining strong communication and collaboration with organizational leadership. Given our focus on youth development, workforce readiness, leadership development, mentorship, violence prevention, creative expression, and support for justice-involved and underserved youth, we are especially interested in professionals with experience securing funding for community-based, equity-centered, trauma-informed, and grassroots nonprofit organizations. Ultimately, we are seeking a trusted thought partner who can help translate mission-driven impact into sustainable funding, strengthen internal development systems, and position the organization for long-term growth and financial sustainability. A detailed Request for Proposals (RFP) outlining the full scope of work, timeline, qualifications, and deliverables is included as an attachment for reference.