Catholic Extension
Founded in 1905, Catholic Extension serves the pastoral mission of the Church by ensuring that
the essential ministries of under-resourced and isolated U.S. dioceses remain intact by helping
these dioceses build their capacity for the future. This is achieved by operating as both a
fundraising and grant making organization that carries its work out strategically, with a high
touch, and in a spirit of optimism and innovation. For more information about Catholic
Extension, visit the CE Website.
Over the last 116 years, Catholic Extension has distributed more than $1.3 billion to build strong
communities of faith, so that Catholics in these areas have the tools to inspire hope and ignite
change. Activities and programs supported include southern border initiatives, post-hurricane
rebuilding in Puerto Rico, support for college campus ministry and youth outreach, construction
and renovation of churches and facilities, and funding for the education of lay and ordained
leaders. Last year alone, the financial impact on these communities was more than $100
million when one considers all Catholic Extension’s programs and partnerships collectively.
To support this mission work, every year the organization raises $25 - 30 million from 25,000
donors via a mature and comprehensive development program with diverse revenue streams.
To learn more about the role of philanthropy at Catholic Extension read its 2021 Annual Report.
Catholic Extension has a full-time staff of 50 employees based at its headquarters in Chicago or
in one of its regional offices. Its staff is comprised of talented and experienced professionals
working in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment and team-focused culture
The Development Associate reports to the Director of Development, Foundation Giving.
Together, the two-person grant writing team is responsible for a portfolio of nearly 100 funders
whose annual grants range from $10,000 to $1 million or more.
The specific responsibilities of this position are to:

• Serve as the internal point person for administrative support of the program to timely

and accurately track letters of inquiry, proposals, and reporting deadlines. Communicate
effectively across teams to ensure integrity of the information gathered and recorded.

• Manage a portfolio of foundation relationships.
• Write grant proposals, letters of inquiry, reports, and other communications for our

foundation partners. Proposals in your portfolio will focus on potential grants of
$10,000 to $100,000.

• Take the lead on responsible stewardship of existing funders. Catholic Extension informs

and engages its supporters so they can be certain of how their funds are used and their
impact. You might deliver the stewardship report, or you might staff another member
of the team to do so if they manage the relationship.

• Proactively seek new grant partnerships with foundations whose guidelines support the

mission of Catholic Extension.

• Produce regular summary reports on fundraising activity by the Foundation Giving team.
• Record all relevant contacts with donors in the fundraising database. Aim for precision

and timely entry to support internal reporting and data integrity.

• Participate in Development department team meetings and contribute to the team

overall. Staying on top of emerging sector trends and new funding opportunities in
Foundation Giving will be one of your duties.

• Be a role model for integrity, fiscal responsibility, and ethical behavior in a way that

embodies Catholic Extension values.
Qualifications
Catholic Extension is looking for a grant writer. We believe the successful candidate will be
straight out of college or graduate school, or they might have up to several years of work
experience. As this role requires contact with funders, the successful candidate will have some
exposure to fundraising/working with donors.
Additionally, we are looking for someone who offers:

• A strong command of the English language
• Persuasive writing skills
• Organizational skills
• Listening skills
• Track record for responsible follow through and attention to details
• Ability to navigate public information sources to identify prospects
• Exposure to working in teams in a business setting
• Solid energy and drive
• Customer service oriented
• Curious and creative
• Detailed and action-oriented
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Development and donor data base experience preferred
• Strong familiarity with the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church
• Preferred candidates will be experienced in or able to adapt to the Catholic fundraising

market although previous faith based fundraising experience is not required

• A sense of humor

To Apply
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to CE2022.grantwriter@gmail.com. Further
inquiries or questions? Please call our recruiting partner Margie DeVine on her cell at 773-892-
2993.
Catholic Extension is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants may request any
reasonable accommodation that may be necessary to participate in the application
process.
We offer a very competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to include
medical, dental, vision, disability, 403b with company matching, paid time off, paid
company holidays, commuter assistance, professional development opportunities,
mentoring and more!
Catholic Extension is located at 150 S. Wacker Drive, 20th floor, Chicago, IL. For more
information about the organization, please visit: www.catholicextension.org.
This is not a remote position.