Volunteer Grant Writer (Remote, Canada)

The Heather Cutler Foundation; Mount Pearl; Remote; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization specializing in pancreatic cancer advocacy is seeking a volunteer Grant Writer. This remote position will utilize your writing and research skills to secure funding for crucial advocacy and support programs. You'll work closely with the team's leadership to develop compelling grant proposals that resonate with funders. The role requires 3-6 hours per week and a commitment of at least 3-6 months.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience writing grants for nonprofits or advocacy organizations.
• Ability to find and evaluate funding opportunities.
• Skilled at translating technical content into compelling proposals.

Responsibilities

• Research and assess grant prospects from foundations and agencies.
• Write persuasive applications outlining mission and measurable outcomes.
• Collaborate on strategy with Founder and senior volunteers.
• Maintain organized grant calendar and track submission requirements.
• Contribute to post-award deliverables showing effectiveness to funders.

Skills

Grant Writing Success

Research & Funding Insight

Strong Written Communication

Organizational & Time Management

Mission-Driven Storytelling

Strategic & Persistent

Healthcare Literacy

Job description

Organization Description

The Heather Cutler Foundation is a federally incorporated non-profit organization based in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador. Founded by Heather’s family after experiencing firsthand the challenges of navigating pancreatic cancer care, the Foundation is driven by a commitment to real change rather than bureaucracy. The leadership includes advocates and professionals with deep ties to their community and a passion for healthcare reform.

Values: Equity, Action, Empowerment, Community, Transparency and Compassion. The Foundation believes that access to life-saving care should not be determined by geography or postal code, advocates for policy changes that directly impact pancreatic cancer patients, equips patients and families with knowledge and self-advocacy tools, fosters a supportive network, and prioritizes clear communication and empathy.

Whom We Serve

• Canadians diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, especially those in underserved regions.
• Families and caregivers navigating the complexities of treatment and support.
• Healthcare professionals and advocates seeking to improve outcomes and close systemic gaps.

What We Do

• Provide up-to-date, accessible information on pancreatic cancer, treatment options, and clinical trials.
• Advocate for healthcare reform, including better access to somatic testing and clinical trials.
• Offer practical resources and support to reduce delays and improve patient outcomes.
• Mobilize community action through campaigns, petitions, and public awareness initiatives.
• Develop educational materials and launch programs like podcasts and starter packs to inform and empower the pancreatic cancer community.
• Engage in fundraising to support research and patient services, and collaborate with national and international partners, including the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition.

Get Involved

Volunteers, guest authors, and partners are welcomed to join the Foundation’s efforts—whether through direct service, campaign support, or sharing personal experiences to inspire and inform others.

Job Description

Volunteer Grant Writer for Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy

Are you passionate about using your writing and research skills to make a direct impact? The Heather Cutler Foundation is seeking a Grant Writer to help us secure essential funding for our work in pancreatic cancer advocacy, patient support, and healthcare reform across Canada.

As our Grant Writer, you’ll join Team Heather and play a key role in fueling programs that reach people often excluded from care—especially in smaller and underserved provinces. From researching opportunities to crafting powerful proposals and reporting on results, your work will help turn advocacy into action.

Why Join Us?

Heather’s story exposed the deep inequities in Canada’s cancer care system. Her legacy sparked a movement—and our foundation is that movement in action. We don’t just raise awareness; we push for solutions. We work directly with researchers, policymakers, and healthcare leaders to spotlight overlooked gaps in access and treatment.

As our Grant Writer, you’ll be at the front lines of this mission, helping us scale, sustain, and expand our impact through thoughtful, strategic funding partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Identify Funding Opportunities
  Research and assess grant prospects from foundations, government agencies, and private funders—especially those aligned with healthcare, innovation, and regional equity.
• Develop Compelling Grant Proposals
  Write persuasive applications that clearly outline our mission, programs, and measurable outcomes, with emotionally resonant narratives backed by data.
• Collaborate on Strategy
  Work with the Founder and senior volunteers to refine messaging, align proposals with Foundation priorities, and strengthen our case for support.
• Track Grant Deadlines & Documents
  Maintain an organized grant calendar, track submission requirements, and ensure all applications and reports meet compliance and deadline standards.
• Support Impact Reporting
  Contribute to post-award deliverables, including impact updates and progress reports that demonstrate transparency and effectiveness to funders.

Qualifications

• Proven Grant Writing Success: Demonstrated experience writing grants for nonprofits or advocacy organizations, with a history of successful applications.
• Research & Funding Insight: Ability to find and evaluate funding opportunities that match our mission and regional focus.
• Strong Written Communication: Skilled at translating technical, policy, or healthcare content into compelling proposals.
• Organizational & Time Management: Highly organized with the ability to manage concurrent deadlines, records, and tasks.
• Mission-Driven Storytelling: Ability to emotionally connect funders with our story and the Canadians behind the data.
• Strategic & Persistent: Willing to build and nurture funder relationships through follow-up, reporting, and alignment of values.
• Healthcare Literacy (Asset): Familiarity with healthcare advocacy or willingness to learn more about pancreatic cancer and related systems.

Role Details

• Location: Remote (Canada-based preferred)
• Time Commitment: Flexible, ~3–6 hours/week
• Employment Type: Volunteer
• Start Date: As soon as possible
• Duration: Minimum 3–6 month commitment preferred
• Supervised by: Founder

Organization Description

The Heather Cutler Foundation is a federally incorporated Canadian nonprofit reimagining pancreatic cancer advocacy. We focus on equity, urgency, and real-world impact—advocating for clinical trial access, molecular profiling, and systemic healthcare reform with a special focus on smaller provinces. Through strategic storytelling, public policy work, and cross-sector partnerships, we aim to build a future where no Canadian is left behind because of their postal code.

Keywords

Grant Writer Volunteer | Nonprofit Funding | Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy | Healthcare Reform Canada | Equity in Health | Volunteer Opportunity | Remote Grant Writing