Volunteer: Write for Impact: Grant Proposal Research Volunteer

This is a volunteer opportunity provided by Taproot Foundation, a nonprofit creating social change through pro bono connections. JGM Innovation is currently seeking a skilled volunteer to help us develop a grant proposal that will support the growth of our internship program. Currently, we host 10 college students in unpaid internships, and our goal is to expand this program to include more interns while ensuring they are fairly compensated for their contributions. To achieve this, we need funding not only to pay our interns but also to hire a dedicated program manager who can oversee their work, provide mentorship, and ensure a structured learning experience. The volunteer would assist us in: - Identifying appropriate grant opportunities aligned with our mission and goals. - Drafting a compelling grant proposal that clearly communicates the impact of our internship program. - Structuring a budget that includes intern stipends and program management costs. - Advising on best practices for program sustainability and scalability. Expanding our program means we can reach more students, provide them with meaningful work experience, and equip them with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in their future careers. It also allows us to bring on a dedicated program manager to ensure interns receive structured guidance and mentorship throughout their time with us. The impact of this project will be felt immediately and long-term: more students gaining world experience, more equitable access to professional development, and a stronger pipeline of future leaders. We’re excited to partner with a volunteer who shares our commitment to empowering the next generation. We’ve already begun researching potential grant opportunities that align with our mission and the goals of our internship program. This early groundwork will help us move quickly once the proposal is ready. Additionally, a colleague on our team has prior experience applying for government grants and will be actively involved in supporting this project. Their insights will be invaluable in shaping a strong and competitive application. JGM Innovation Mission: JGM Innovation wants to help the students. We do this through innovative ideas which help children excel in education and have new opportunities. Although the project started in 2018, the idea started at St. John’s University. Since 2008, The Alpha Gamma Chapter of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has supported the Jorge Guevara Mellado School. This school, in Santa Eulalia, Peru, has a preschool and an elementary school. Over the last decade, with the support of friends, family, and other Fraternity Brothers, the Chapter fundraised for the construction of the elementary school, scholastic materials, games, lunches, and much more. For over two years, the JGM Project has been supporting the Jorge Guevara Mellado School in Santa Eulalia, Peru. With help from our friends, families, and the brothers of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc., we have fundraised for the construction of the elementary school, scholastic materials, games, lunches, yearly scholarships, an indoor playground, and most recently, a computer lab. Perú has been hard hit by the coronavirus. Currently, it has the fifth-highest number of COVID-19 cases globally. The government has already announced all schools will be working remotely until the end of the year. Peru imposed one of the earliest and strictest lockdowns in Latin America to stop the spread of coronavirus but has still seen cases rise rapidly. In response to this situation, the JGM Project will launch new initiatives to support students and families of JGM students.