Volunteer Grant Writer (Remote, Canada)

Join to apply for the Volunteer Grant Writer (Remote, Canada) role at The Heather Cutler Foundation

The Heather Cutler Foundation is a federally incorporated non-profit organization based in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador. Founded by Heather’s family after experiencing firsthand the challenges of navigating pancreatic cancer care, the Foundation is driven by a commitment to real change rather than bureaucracy. The leadership includes advocates and professionals with deep ties to their community and a passion for healthcare reform.

Values

• Equity – We believe that access to life‑saving care should not be determined by geography or postal code. Our work is focused on closing the gaps in Canada’s healthcare system, especially for those in smaller provinces and rural areas.
• Action – We are proactive, mobilizing public support, calling on government leaders, and pushing for policy changes that directly impact pancreatic cancer patients.
• Empowerment – We equip patients and families with the knowledge, resources, and self‑advocacy tools needed to navigate complex healthcare systems.
• Community – We foster a supportive network, sharing lessons learned and practical tips to help others facing similar challenges.
• Transparency and Compassion – Inspired by Heather’s legacy as a nurse and caregiver, we prioritize clear communication, empathy, and genuine support for those affected by pancreatic cancer.

Whom We Serve

• Canadians diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, especially those in underserved regions.
• Families and caregivers navigating the complexities of treatment and support.
• Healthcare professionals and advocates seeking to improve outcomes and close systemic gaps.

What We Do

• Provide up‑to‑date, accessible information on pancreatic cancer, treatment options, and clinical trials.
• Advocate for healthcare reform, including better access to somatic testing and clinical trials.
• Offer practical resources and support to reduce delays and improve patient outcomes.
• Mobilize community action through campaigns, petitions, and public awareness initiatives.
• Develop educational materials and launch programs like podcasts and starter packs to inform and empower the pancreatic cancer community.
• Engage in fundraising to support research and patient services, and collaborate with national and international partners, including the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition.

Volunteer Grant Writer for Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy

Are you passionate about using your writing and research skills to make a direct impact? The Heather Cutler Foundation is seeking a Grant Writer to help us secure essential funding for our work in pancreatic cancer advocacy, patient support, and healthcare reform across Canada. As our Grant Writer, you’ll join Team Heather and play a key role in fueling programs that reach people often excluded from care—especially in smaller and underserved provinces. From researching opportunities to crafting powerful proposals and reporting on results, your work will help turn advocacy into action.

Why Join Us?

Heather’s story exposed the deep inequities in Canada’s cancer care system. Her legacy sparked a movement—and our foundation is that movement in action. We don’t just raise awareness; we push for solutions. We work directly with researchers, policymakers, and healthcare leaders to spotlight overlooked gaps in access and treatment. As our Grant Writer, you’ll be at the front lines of this mission, helping us scale, sustain, and expand our impact through thoughtful, strategic funding partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Identify Funding Opportunities – Research and assess grant prospects from foundations, government agencies, and private funders—especially those aligned with healthcare, innovation, and regional equity.
• Develop Compelling Grant Proposals – Write persuasive applications that clearly outline our mission, programs, and measurable outcomes, with emotionally resonant narratives backed by data.
• Collaborate on Strategy – Work with the Founder and senior volunteers to refine messaging, align proposals with Foundation priorities, and strengthen our case for support.
• Track Grant Deadlines & Documents – Maintain an organized grant calendar, track submission requirements, and ensure all applications and reports meet compliance and deadline standards.
• Support Impact Reporting – Contribute to post‑award deliverables, including impact updates and progress reports that demonstrate transparency and effectiveness to funders.

Qualifications

• Proven Grant Writing Success – Demonstrated experience writing grants for nonprofits or advocacy organizations, with a history of successful applications.
• Research & Funding Insight – Ability to find and evaluate funding opportunities that match our mission and regional focus.
• Strong Written Communication – Skilled at translating technical, policy, or healthcare content into compelling proposals.
• Organizational & Time Management – Highly organized with the ability to manage concurrent deadlines, records, and tasks.
• Mission‑Driven Storytelling – Ability to emotionally connect funders with our story and the Canadians behind the data.
• Strategic & Persistent – Willing to build and nurture funder relationships through follow‑up, reporting, and alignment of values.
• Healthcare Literacy (Asset) – Familiarity with healthcare advocacy or willingness to learn more about pancreatic cancer and related systems.

Role Details

• Location: Remote (Canada‑based preferred)
• Time Commitment: Flexible, ~3–6 hours/week
• Employment Type: Volunteer
• Start Date: As soon as possible
• Duration: Minimum 3–6 month commitment preferred
• Supervised by: Founder

Organization Description

The Heather Cutler Foundation is a federally incorporated Canadian nonprofit reimagining pancreatic cancer advocacy. We focus on equity, urgency, and real‑world impact—advocating for clinical trial access, molecular profiling, and systemic healthcare reform with a special focus on smaller provinces. Through strategic storytelling, public policy work, and cross‑sector partnerships, we aim to build a future where no Canadian is left behind because of their postal code.