At a Glance
- Tasks: Research and identify grants, maintain a tracker, and assist in drafting application materials.
- Company: Novar Network is a youth-led organisation focused on empowering young people in civic conversations.
- Benefits: Gain direct experience in grant processes and receive a letter of recognition after three months.
- Other info: The position is fully remote with a commitment of approximately 4–6 hours per week.
- Why this job: This role offers hands-on experience shaping the financial future of an early-stage initiative.
- Qualifications: Strong written English and detail-oriented; prior grant experience is welcome but not required.
Organisation: Novar Network
Location: Fully Remote / Flexible
Commitment: Approx. 4–6 hours per week
About Us
Novar Network is an emerging youth‑led organisation focused on dialogue, policy engagement, and empowering young people to participate meaningfully in civic and global conversations. We are in our early growth stage, building foundations, partnerships, and programs from the ground up.
About the Role
We are looking for a proactive and mission‑driven Funding & Grants Associate who is excited to help a growing organisation secure its first waves of funding. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys research, opportunity scouting, and strategic thinking, and who wants hands‑on experience shaping the financial future of an early‑stage initiative. This is not a passive or purely administrative role; you will play a direct part in identifying opportunities, tracking deadlines, supporting applications, and helping position the organisation for sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
- Research and identify relevant grants, funds, fellowships, and sponsorship opportunities
- Maintain a tracker of deadlines, requirements, and priorities
- Assist in drafting or compiling application materials
- Review eligibility criteria and advise on strategic fit
- Flag high‑potential funding calls proactively
- Support basic donor or partnership prospect research
Ideal Profile
- Strong in written English
- Detail‑oriented and organised
- Curious and resourceful in research
- Reliable with communication and timelines
- Interested in nonprofit growth, development, or social impact work
Prior grant experience is welcome but not required; initiative and commitment matter more.
Growth Opportunity
This position is designed as a pathway role. If funding is successfully secured and collaboration is strong, there is a clear opportunity to grow into a higher management role within the Partnerships & Development domain with expanded responsibility and formal recognition.
What You Gain
- Direct experience in real grant processes
- Portfolio‑worthy contributions to funded proposals
- Close collaboration with leadership
- A reference and recommendation based on performance
- A letter of recognition after the first three months of work
- The chance to help shape an organisation from its earliest stage
Important Note on Stage & Expectations
Novar Network is currently a self‑funded early‑stage initiative. This role is therefore initially voluntary. We want to be transparent that we are building from scratch and value people who are motivated by purpose, learning, and growth rather than immediate compensation.
Funding & Grants Assistant (Volunteer – Growth Track Role) employer: Novar Network
Novar Network is based fully remote, allowing flexibility for volunteers. The organisation focuses on youth empowerment and civic engagement, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful social impact initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Funding & Grants Assistant (Volunteer – Growth Track Role)
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Funding & Grants Assistant (Volunteer – Growth Track Role)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Novar Network, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Novar Network.
How to prepare for a job interview at Novar Network
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Novar Network and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
