Grant and Fundraising Specialist

  Dominican Republic

Las Terrenas

Durations of Program: 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: January 2009-Dec 2011

Description: Our Foundation has depended on the good will of its founders and the excellent work of volunteers. The organization is now ready to move to the next level, having proven its ability to do good work, discovered its strength and identified areas of service. This next level is that of economic sustainability and economic strength, particularly focused on programs that help accomplished its mission. The qualified volunteer would work in country or from his/her home country, identifying grant sources and writing grant proposals for specific programs, existing or desirable. The idea is that in 2-year times the organization would be able to fund staff and programs from suitable sources, in country or out of country. The Foundation has taken steps to seek government recognition and have NGO status in the Dominican Republic. It is also associated with an organization in the U.S. with 501(c)3 status and, if suitable, would seek to obtain the same on its own. This position does not offer pay but it could negotitate a percentage of funds obtained per industry standards. If a suitable candidate is found that wants to move to the Dominican Republic the organization is willing to offer free housing in a shared room at the volunteer house Casa Paz. The minimum term is one year, two years desirable.

Highlights: The best way to introduce our volunteer program is as follows: Ours is a partnership for peace and justice. Volunteers come because they want to be do good work and to help better the quality of life of the people in this community (which is the Foundation's mission). We see volunteers as committed, self-starters, "free-agents" who already agree with what we attempt to do and want to support our efforts. We trust that volunteers will be mature enough to realize what's happening in their surroundings and will take upon themselves the responsibility of maintaining program standards and uphold the Foundation's values, particularly since we do not have the staff or resources to provide constant supervision or traditional program management. Las Terrenas is a beautiful beach community surrounded by lush mountains, gorgeous waterfalls and natural views. It is also a main tourist destination and one in which social exploitation at various levels exist. We trust that volunteers will not be part of the system of exploitation but would be engaged in creating alternatives for children and youth that use the library and benefit from the Foundation's programs.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate is a) a recent graduate in the field, b) someone seeking experiende in grant writing and/or fundraising, c) a retired professional grant writer or fundraiser, d) someone strongly committed to strengthening community organizations in developing countries, e) honest and committed, f) a self-starter and energetic, g) creative and open-minded.

Minimum Education: Bachelors

Cost in US$: $300-400 monthly

Salary / Pay: Free housing in shared room in Casa Paz (the volunteer house), exemption of the program fee of $225 for the term.

Experience Required: yes

Previous experience in grant writing or fundraising desirable.

Typical Volunteer: A recent college graduate, some travel overseas, average language skills, interested in community work, likes to work independently, previous community work, willing to learn a new culture, self-starter, likes to travel.

Age Range: 18-70

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Dominican Republic Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Transcript

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Fundacion Mahatma Gandhi's Mission Statement: To enhance the quality of life of the people with whom we work, using suitable resources, in an authentic and continuous learning environment. [Mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas con quienes trabajamos, usando recursos idoneos, en un ambiente autentico y de aprendizaje constante.

Year Founded: 2005