Independent Contractor, Part-Time
Location: Remote
Department: Development
Salary Range: $70.00/hr for a maximum of 15 hours per month
Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2026
About the Opportunity
Institute for Therapy through the Arts is seeking a part-time Grant Writer Independent Contractor to support the organization’s grant funding efforts. In collaboration with the Development Director, the Grant Writer will help identify, research, prepare, and submit grant applications to family, corporate, government, and other charitable foundations.
This role is ideal for a highly organized, skilled writer who understands nonprofit fundraising and can craft competitive, compelling proposals that reflect ITA’s mission and impact.
Key Responsibilities
The Grant Write will support ITA’s grant strategy and application process by:
- Researching and identifying grant opportunities aligned with ITA’s mission, programs, and funding needs.
- Maintaining the overall grants calendar, including application, submission, and reporting deadlines.
- Meeting biweekly with the Development Director to review priorities, timelines, and upcoming opportunities.
- Working closely with the Development Director to determine which grants to pursue, create application strategies, identifying required data, and manage deadlines.
- Using project management best practices to oversee all aspects of submitting Letters of Intent and grant applications.
- Meeting annually with the Development Director to discuss funding needs for general operations and program, and to identify priority goals for the year.
- Requesting information needed for grant applications from the Development Director, Program Directors, Office Manager, and other ITA staff as needed.
- Drafting Letters of Intent and grant applications in accordance with predetermined deadlines.
- Submitting an anticipated two grant applications per month.
- For grants awarded to ITA, maintaining a calendar of report deadlines and preparing reports requested by funders.
- Staying current on organizational developments, program updates, and funding priorities.
Qualifications & Education Requirements
- A minimum of three years of nonprofit grant writing experience.
- Experience writing grants for mental health services preferred.
- Interest in Creative Arts Therapy, a bonus
Ideal Skills
The ideal candidate will bring:
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
- Strong project management skills.
- Excellent organization and communication skills.
- A team-oriented, results-oriented approach.
- Creativity, flexibility, and attention to detail.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Interest or experience in the creative arts, Creative Arts Therapy, mental health, or nonprofit human services.
Additional Details
This is a part-time independent contractor role with an expected workload of up to 15 hours per month. The Grant Writer will work primarily remotely and must have access to their own computer, internet, office equipment, and software needed to prepare and submit grant applications.
About ITA
Founded in 1975 and established as an independent nonprofit organization in 2015, Institute for Therapy through the Arts is a nationally recognized organization dedicated to helping children, adults, and families improve functioning related to psychological, developmental, physical, or cognitive factors through integrated arts approaches.
ITA is one of the few comprehensive community-based arts therapy programs in the United States to offer four creative arts treatment modalities: art therapy, dance/movement therapy, drama therapy, and music therapy.
How to Apply
- Email your resume, cover letter, and relevant writing samples to careers@itachicago.org
- Include the subject line: Grant Writer Application
- Applications may be addressed to: Jeffrey Wolfe, CEO