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Foundation Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

MacAthur Foundation

Associate General Counsel

Chicago, IL · On-site

$157.32 - $192.28/hr

Overview We are looking for an Associate General Counsel to support legal work across grantmaking ... MacArthur Foundation. The role is hybrid and based in Chicago, Illinois. The annual salary will ...

Gateway Foundation

DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Chicago, IL · On-site

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance ... The Development Associate is responsible for: * Plan and execute individual giving initiatives ...

Gateway Foundation

DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Chicago, IL · On-site

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance ... The Development Associate is responsible for: * Plan and execute individual giving initiatives ...

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Foundation Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27.8K

$145.6K

$320.1K

How much do foundation associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation associate in Chicago, IL is $145,580.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,300.00 and $219,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Foundation Associates face when managing multiple grants and projects simultaneously?

Foundation Associates often juggle several grants and projects at once, which can present challenges in prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and ensuring clear communication with stakeholders. Staying organized and detail-oriented is essential, as Associates typically manage application reviews, reporting requirements, and correspondence with grantees. Collaborating effectively with program officers and other team members helps distribute the workload and maintain a smooth workflow. Developing strong time-management skills and using project management tools can make these challenges more manageable and help ensure the success of funded initiatives.

What does a Foundation Associate do?

A Foundation Associate typically supports the daily operations of a philanthropic foundation or nonprofit organization. Their duties often include coordinating grant applications, assisting with fundraising events, managing communications, and maintaining donor databases. They also help prepare reports, conduct research on prospective grantees, and provide administrative support to senior staff. This entry-level role offers exposure to the nonprofit sector and can be a stepping stone for more senior positions in fundraising or program management.

What is the difference between Foundation Associate vs Fundraising Coordinator?

AspectFoundation AssociateFundraising Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer associate's degreeHigh school diploma; some roles may prefer bachelor's degree
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, foundations, charitable institutionsNonprofit organizations, charities, fundraising events
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in foundations and grant-making entitiesCommon in nonprofit and charitable sectors
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles in foundationsCompared for roles involving event planning and donor engagement

The Foundation Associate typically handles administrative tasks, grant research, and supporting foundation programs, often requiring basic credentials. The Fundraising Coordinator focuses more on organizing fundraising events, donor outreach, and campaign management. While both roles work within nonprofit sectors, the Foundation Associate is more administrative, whereas the Fundraising Coordinator emphasizes active engagement and event execution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Foundation Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foundation Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a background in nonprofit management or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with grant management software, donor databases like Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge, and basic financial tracking tools is typically required. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and teamwork abilities help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure effective fund management, foster positive donor relations, and support the foundation’s mission-driven initiatives.
What are the most commonly searched types of Foundation jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Foundation jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Foundation Associate jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Foundation Associate job openings:
Foundation Associate jobs near you

Associate, Foundation Relations

Ounce of Prevention Fund

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$41K - $51K/yr

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

FoundationRelations Associate

The Ounce of Prevention Fund is one of Chicago's mostenergized, future-focused organizations devoted to early childhood development.

Our mission is to improve the life chances for low-income children through programs, training,research and advocacy.

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in thismission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence,learning and communication.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package,including 401(k); tuition reimbursement and professional developmentopportunities; flex work hours and work-from-home options; and paid parentalleave.  

Reporting to theManager of Foundation Relations you will:

  • Serve as a lead or supporting writer on grant proposals and reports for donors to support ongoing and new programs with a focus on the Ounce's policy and advocacy work.
  • Manage multiple development projects, including the development of concept papers, prospect profiles and moves management strategies and systems.
  • Support cultivation and stewardship of existing and new relationships with donors by identifying appropriate touchpoints and engagement strategies, drafting correspondence with donors, and developing meeting prep sheets and follow-up materials. 
  • Schedule and participate in cross-divisional meetings to build a knowledge base for writing proposals, reports, meeting prep sheets, e-mails and concept papers for projects and funders.
  • Collaborate with finance and program staff to develop and manage budgets and budget narratives for grant proposals and reports.
  • Inform appropriate staff of grant requirements and reporting deadlines.
  • Conduct research to identify new prospects and support the development and management of prospect cultivation strategies.
  • Oversee the maintenance of calendars, timelines, grants information and electronic and hard copy files of correspondence.

Qualifications include:

  • Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts, Journalism, Social Science or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
  • Two or more years of experience in proposal writing, foundation and government relations, grant reporting and budget development or similar industries.
  • Two to three years of experience with non-profit fundraising is preferred.

Last but not least we offer some great perks:

  • Work from home options for qualified employees plus flexible hours.
  • Tuition reimbursement, competitive salary and benefit packages, employer contribution towards your 401k, and much more.
    The Ounce is an equalopportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our corevalues by creating an inclusive environment for all staff

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