GRANT WRITER

WORTHLESSSTUDIOS (WS) is seeking a Grant Writer. The position will focus on drafting, refining, and submitting grant applications in close partnership with the Director of Programming and the Founder & Artistic Director. This freelance role is responsible for translating program goals, artistic vision, and organizational needs into compelling narratives and supporting documents tailored to foundation, government, and institutional funders. This is an ideal position for a skilled writer who understands arts programming and can collaborate effectively with program and artistic leadership.

WS is a small but growing team. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, proactive and collaborative partner who is willing to take on new tasks, achieve aggressive strategic goals, and is capable of pivoting when necessary to secure results. This is an incredible opportunity to join an early-stage nonprofit and lay the foundation for the full development function. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Grant Writing & Narrative Development

  • Draft clear, persuasive LOIs, proposals, and narrative sections for all WS grant applications.

  • Work closely with the Director of Programming to gather accurate program details, budgets, timelines, outcomes, and impact metrics.

  • Adapt writing style and narrative structure to match funder guidelines, funding priorities, and word/character limits.

  • Maintain consistency of mission, language, and tone across all institutional communications.

Application Assembly & Submission

  • Coordinate the completion of all elements of each grant application, including attachments, budgets, project descriptions, work samples, artist bios, and support materials.

  • Ensure all applications are formatted correctly, meet funder specifications, and are submitted by deadline.

  • Track required edits, follow-up questions, and supplemental materials for each active application.

Grant Reporting (As Needed)

  • Draft narrative components of interim or final reports, based on materials provided by the Director of Programming and Founder.

  • Assist in assembling any required documentation, images, or metrics for reports.

Internal Materials & Systems

  • Maintain an organized archive of past narratives, common proposal language, and reusable content in CRM system (Notion and Salesforce)

  • Keep a record of completed submissions and materials to streamline future applications.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • 3–5+ years of grant writing experience for arts, culture, or nonprofit organizations.

  • Demonstrated success writing competitive proposals to foundations, government agencies, and institutional funders.

  • Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills with strong attention to detail.

  • Ability to translate programmatic and artistic information into compelling, funder-aligned language.

  • Strong organizational habits, keen attention to detail and an ability to manage multiple deadlines at once.

  • Experience working collaboratively with program and artistic leadership.

  • Familiarity with Google Suite; experience with Salesforce or Notion is beneficial.

  • Knowledge of the NYC arts landscape is preferred but not required.

CONTRACT DETAILS: 

  • Freelance contractor position

  • Start date: Immediately

  • Estimated 15–25 hours per month, varying by application load

  • Compensation: $1,500–$3,000 per month, commensurate with experience or billed hourly

  • Remote with occasional in-person collaboration as needed

  • Reports to: Director of Programming, with close collaboration from the Founder & Artistic Director

HOW TO APPLY: 

  • Send an email to team@worthlessstudios.org with the subject line “Grant Writer” and the required materials listed below: 

  • Contact Information and Letter of Intent: Provide a cover letter addressing what excites you about this position and what you might contribute to WORTHLESSSTUDIOS. 

  • CV: Outline relevant work experience, education, and skills. 

  • References: Provide the names and contact information for two references.

  • Apply before February 1, 2026