Harlem Grown is hiring: Grant Writer (Contract) in New York

Grant Writer (Contract)

Harlem Grown's mission is to inspire youth to live healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition. Harlem Grown operates 14 urban agricultural sites featuring 6 soil-based urban farms, 4 school gardens, 3 hydroponic greenhouses, and a mushroom chamber. All of our sites are located between 122 and 152 Streets in Central Harlem, Manhattan.

Last year alone, our programming served over 6,880 youth in Harlem. We produced and distributed over 118,211 servings of food and diverted over 9,580 pounds of food scraps into local compost operations.

Harlem Grown's mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition. Founded in 2011, Harlem Grown serves youth ages 518 and the broader Harlem community, using food and farm education to build healthy habits early and strengthen community well-being.

We operate 14 urban agricultural sites across Central Harlem, including soil-based farms, school gardens, hydroponic greenhouses, and a mushroom chamber. These spaces are community hubs where youth, families and neighbors grow together.

Harlem Grown delivers year-round youth and community programs grounded in food justice, racial equity, and environmental sustainability. Our youth programs include school partnerships, afterschool and summer camp, Saturday enrichment, farm tours, service learning, and mobile education. We also host inclusive community programming such as weekly Farm Stands offering free fresh produce, food scrap collection for composting, wellness workshops, and seasonal events that foster connection and belonging.

Our impact continues to grow. Since 2021, we've served over 10,000 youth and expanded our reach more than tenfold demonstrating the power of long-term, community-rooted investment. In 2024 alone, Harlem Grown reached more than 23,000 community members, doubled our afterschool program, increased summer camp enrollment by 50%, distributed over 118,000 pounds of fresh produce, diverted over 9,500 pounds of food scraps into local compost operations and delivered nearly 1,000 food and farm education classes. By growing, sharing, and teaching about fresh food, Harlem Grown addresses food insecurity, inequitable access to green space, and the root causes of food injustice while cultivating healthier, more resilient communities for generations to come.

Position Overview

Harlem Grown is seeking an experienced, self-directed Contract Grant Writer to support our foundation, corporate, and government grant-seeking efforts. This role will help secure funding that sustains our programs in youth education/development, nutrition education and urban agriculture.

The ideal candidate is a skilled storyteller, strategist and project manager, capable of researching new opportunities, translating program impact into funder-ready narratives, and managing a robust grant calendar.

Key Responsibilities

• Grant Writing & Submission: Draft, edit, and submit high-quality LOIs (Letters of Inquiry), proposals, and grant applications, ensuring compliance with all funder guidelines and tailored to funder priorities.
• Collaboration: Work closely with Senior Director of Advancement for needed data, budgets, and attachments.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 2-4 years of proven grant writing experience in the non-profit sector, preferably in youth education/service and/or urban agriculture
• Success Record: Demonstrated track record of securing foundation, corporate, or government grants.
• Skills: Exceptional written communication and editing skills, with a focus on persuasive storytelling.
• Project Management: Strong ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency with grant databases, CRM systems, and Google/Microsoft Suite.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, or related field.

Contract Terms

• Hours: Approximately 15-20 hours per week, with flexibility based on deadline cycles.
• Requirements: As an independent contractor, you are expected to use your own equipment and manage your own taxes.

Compensation: Monthly stipend of $3,500=4,500 based on experience

How to Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your experience with successful grants, and 2-3 writing samples (grant applications preferred).

At Harlem Grown, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. We are an equal opportunity employer, and are committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, where each individual feels as if their identity, experience, and values are represented and supported. We are dedicated to creating a space where children, especially those of color, are given the opportunity and skills to lead healthy and ambitious lives. We strongly believe in building a team that reflects and appreciates the underrepresented population of students, families, and people that we serve. Become a member of our family.