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Foundation Grantmaking Jobs (NOW HIRING)

They will bring rigor to performance management by developing dashboards, tracking outcomes, and using data within the Foundation's grantmaking system Foundant as well as utilizing field insights to ...

Ensure the data integrity of Helmsley's grantmaking in its foundation grantmaking system. * Create and analyze reports on grant data for staff and external audiences. * Develop training materials and ...

Lead and continuously enhance Pacific Life Foundation grantmaking programs, including the annual grant cycle, strategic community investments, disaster response efforts, employee-driven giving ...

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Foundation Grantmaking information

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$25K

$90.6K

$117.5K

How much do foundation grantmaking jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation grantmaking in the United States is $90,556.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Foundation Grantmaking vs Foundation Program Officer?

AspectFoundation GrantmakingFoundation Program Officer
Primary RoleManaging the overall grantmaking process, including strategy, policies, and funding decisionsDeveloping and managing specific programs within the foundation, including project oversight and stakeholder engagement
ResponsibilitiesSetting grant criteria, reviewing proposals, and allocating fundsDesigning program initiatives, monitoring projects, and evaluating outcomes
Required SkillsGrant evaluation, strategic planning, communicationProgram development, relationship management, evaluation
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, foundation headquarters or remoteOffice-based, often within the foundation or in the field

Foundation Grantmaking focuses on the overall process of awarding funds and setting policies, while Foundation Program Officers handle specific programs and projects within the foundation. Both roles require similar skills but differ in scope and daily responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced in foundation grantmaking, and how can professionals successfully navigate them?

Professionals in foundation grantmaking often encounter challenges such as balancing limited resources with high demand, ensuring equitable funding decisions, and measuring the impact of grants. Navigating these challenges requires strong analytical skills to evaluate proposals, effective communication to collaborate with grantees and stakeholders, and a commitment to transparency and fairness. Staying informed about sector trends and fostering relationships within the nonprofit community can also help grantmakers make informed, impactful decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Foundation Grantmaking, and why are they important?

To excel in Foundation Grantmaking, you need expertise in program evaluation, grant writing, and nonprofit sector knowledge, often supported by a relevant degree such as in public administration or social sciences. Familiarity with grants management software, CRM systems, and budgeting tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and clear communication help build relationships with grantees and stakeholders. These skills ensure effective allocation of resources, impactful grant outcomes, and transparent, mission-driven philanthropy.

What is foundation grantmaking?

Foundation grantmaking is the process by which private, corporate, or community foundations provide funding to nonprofit organizations, individuals, or specific projects to support charitable causes and public benefit initiatives. Grantmaking involves identifying areas of need, soliciting and reviewing grant applications, and distributing funds according to the foundation’s mission and priorities. The goal is to make a positive impact in areas such as education, health, arts, environment, and social services by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with the foundation’s goals.
More about Foundation Grantmaking jobs
What cities are hiring for Foundation Grantmaking jobs? Cities with the most Foundation Grantmaking job openings:
What states have the most Foundation Grantmaking jobs? States with the most job openings for Foundation Grantmaking jobs include:
Infographic showing various Foundation Grantmaking job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,556 per year, or $43.5 per hour.
Director of Grantmaking

Director of Grantmaking

Connecticut Health Foundation

Hartford, CT • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description


Summary

Thedirector ofgrantmakingsupports andprovides vision and strategy for the foundation's grantmaking efforts.Thisleader willidentifynew grantmaking initiatives that align with the foundation's strategic plan;build partnershipswith grantees;continuously review andimprovethe grant process; andoverseethecapacity-buildingstrategyfor grantees.

Thedirector ofgrantmaking is a memberoftheprogramteam andcollaboratesclosely with the director of policy andthe chief of staff/communications directortoensurethat grantmaking activities arecoordinatedand strategically alignedwith our policy,communications,and researchwork.

Key Responsibilities

Grantmaking(~60%)

  • Lead, cultivate,develop,andmaintaineffective working relationships with grantees, community partners, state officials,graduates ofthe foundation's leadershipprograms, and other critical stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with the grantmaking team to screen and assess prospective project proposals, collaborate with grantees to edit proposals, and make funding recommendations to staff and board.
  • Developand implementstrategiestoimprovethe grantmaking process, includingsimplifyinggrant applications,refining the grant review processes, and ensuring measurement tools are in place tounderstandoutcomes.Activities include:
  • Workingwith staff to ensurethat learning across grant rounds isintegrated intofuturedecision-making.
  • Overseeingand fine-tuninggrantee monitoringthrough regularcommunication andsetting upsite visits whenappropriate toensure that grantees areaccomplishingthe goals outlined in their project proposals.
  • Supervise two staff (program officer and seniorgrantsmanager). Foster a team environment that encourages staff development, learning, and cross-program collaboration.
    • Set clear expectations and support strong staff performance through regular oversight, coaching, and goal setting.
    • Develop and manage budgets,managecontracts, and supervise consultants related to projects and grantmaking initiatives.
  • Collaborate withthechief of staff/communications director and the program team to develop abudgetandkey initiativesannually.
  • Collaborate with the vice president of program on organization-wide evaluationsthat measure success across strategy areas (communications, grantmaking,and policy).Thismay includecommunicating lessons learned from grantees to staffandboard andtracking progress against strategic planning and operational goals.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Capacity-building and leadership development(~30%)

  • Develop astrongunderstanding of grantee organizations'goals,strengths,needs, and financial outlook.
  • Collaborate with the director of policy and chief of staff/communications directorto equipgrantees and advocacypartners with the knowledge and resources needed to achieve their goals.
  • Connect grantees to learning opportunities, which may include hostingconvenings,referrals forcoaching, andattendance at national conferences.
  • Create and implement learning and engagement plans for grantee cohorts.Support grantees in integrating and applying learning experiences totheir everydaywork.

Ongoing learning and knowledge development(~10%)

  • Stay current with health equity research, activities, and trends related toMedicaidand share learning with the program team whenappropriate.
  • Organize,facilitate, and represent CT Health in convenings and onexternalcommittees.
  • Contribute to knowledge dissemination and foundation-wide communicationsandpublic relations efforts through social media, printed publications,and conferences.

Qualifications and Skills

  • Demonstrated commitment to racial equityandinterest in health equity
  • Understanding of health care or public health and the changing landscape of health reform nationally and in Connecticut is a plus
  • Strong systems-levelanalysis. Demonstrated ability to think critically,solve problems,andapply strong analytical and strategic analysistoset priorities
  • Ability to work independently and in teams and to inspire others to work toward achieving common goals.Ability to manage multiple priorities,prioritize tasks, andmeet deadlines.
  • History of working on initiatives from conception to implementation and through evaluation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills,includingthe ability totalk aboutcomplex ideaswitha wide variety of audiences
  • Interestinworkingin an organization that valuescuriosity,continuous improvement,and honest feedback.
  • Sevenor more years of experience in health, health equity, evaluation, and/or grantmaking.