Grants Manager

The KindGiving Foundation is a grant-giving charitable Foundation dedicated to supporting projects that are sustainable, strategic, and designed to empower communities, foster resilience, and create long-lasting positive social and spiritual change.

We are searching for a Grants Manager who will play a central role in managing the recipient organisations and partners who execute the foundations’ activities. This role is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end grant process, including application review, fund disbursement, compliance, impact monitoring and evaluation. The Grants Manager will work closely with partner organisations, community groups, and internal stakeholders to ensure that all grants align with KindGiving’s mission and deliver measurable, impactful outcomes

Responsibilities

1. Grant Management and Evaluation

• Manage the full lifecycle of the Foundation’s grant portfolio, from initial application to evaluation and reporting, ensuring the process is efficient and compliant.
• Review and assess grant applications, conducting partner due diligence to ensure eligibility, alignment with Foundation objectives, and compliance with funding criteria.
• Develop and implement tools to monitor, evaluate, and report on the effectiveness and impact of grants and partner organisations, including site visits and performance reviews.
• Track key KPIs related to grant impact, fund utilisation, and compliance, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and transparency in reporting.

2. Relationship Building and Partnership Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with grantee organisations, acting as a key contact for guidance, support, and partnership opportunities.
• Facilitate collaborative relationships with community organisations, local stakeholders, and other funders to maximise the reach and impact of the Foundation’s grants.
• Provide training and support to potential grantees on application processes, compliance requirements, and project management best practices.

3. Strategic Planning and Grant Program Development

• Work with the Grant Giving committee to develop and implement strategic priorities for grant-making that align with KindGiving’s mission and impact goals.
• Analyse community needs and emerging trends to inform the Foundation’s grant strategy and recommend areas for funding growth.
• Lead periodic reviews of grant programs, identifying opportunities for innovation, streamlining processes, and maximising impact.

4. Compliance and Financial Oversight

• Ensure all grants adhere to relevant regulatory and compliance requirements, including anti-money laundering (AML) and anti-terrorism financing regulations.
• Monitor funds disbursement ensuring compliance with budget & reporting guidelines.
• Participate in the budgeting process to ensure grant allocations align with financial planning and fiscal responsibility.
• Work closely with the finance team to track grant expenditure and financial reporting, supporting fiscal responsibility and accountability.
• Uphold high ethical standards and maintain confidentiality in all aspects of grant management to protect the integrity of the Foundation and its partners.

5. Project Monitoring and Field Visits

• Conduct regular international site visits to assess project progress and ensure compliance with organisational standards.
• Collaborate with field teams and local stakeholders to gather qualitative and quantitative data on project outcomes.
• Provide on-ground support to resolve operational challenges and refine project implementation strategies.

6. Data Analysis and Reporting

• Develop and maintain grant tracking and reporting systems, producing timely and accurate reports on grant distribution, impact, and alignment with strategic goals.
• Analyse data on grant performance to identify trends, success stories, and areas for improvement, presenting findings to the board and other stakeholders.
• Produce clear, concise impact reports to communicate the achievements of the Foundation’s grant programs to internal and external audiences.

7. Risk Management

• Identify potential risks in grant funding and implementation, including financial, legal and reputational risks.
• Develop and implement strategies to mitigate identified risks, ensuring the Foundation’s activities remain secure and compliant.
• Regularly review grantee compliance with contractual obligations and regulatory requirements to maintain accountability and prevent issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., nonprofit management, social sciences, business administration) or equivalent professional experience demonstrating strong knowledge and skills in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and impact assessment within nonprofit or related sectors.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in grant management, community development, or a related field within a nonprofit or philanthropic organisation.
• Strong understanding of grant-making processes, compliance requirements, and impact assessment methodologies.

Skills and Competencies

• Analytical Skills: Ability to assess grant applications critically, conduct due diligence, and analyse project outcomes effectively.
• Project Management: Strong organisational skills with experience managing multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and compellingly to diverse audiences.
• Financial Acumen: Experience in budgeting, financial oversight, and understanding of fiscal responsibility in grant management.
• Relationship Building: Proven ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with grantees, community groups, and other partners.
• Problem Solving: Proactive and solution-focused, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and resolve issues as they arise.
• Cultural Sensitivity: An understanding of and commitment to working within diverse communities, with an awareness of cultural contexts in grant-making.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with digital grant management platforms and data analysis software.
• Knowledge of AML regulations and compliance in the context of philanthropic funding.