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Foundation Relations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Foundation Relations Manager information

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$57.5K

$66.7K

$86K

How much do foundation relations manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation relations manager in the United States is $66,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Foundation Relations Manager, you need expertise in fundraising, grant writing, and relationship management, usually supported by a bachelor’s degree in communications, nonprofit management, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management databases, grant tracking systems, and CRM software is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, strategic thinking, and persuasive writing skills help build lasting partnerships and secure funding. These competencies are critical for identifying funding opportunities, maintaining positive foundation relationships, and achieving organizational fundraising goals.

How does a Foundation Relations Manager typically collaborate with program staff to develop successful grant proposals?

A Foundation Relations Manager works closely with program staff to gain a deep understanding of organizational initiatives and funding needs. Together, they identify alignment between the foundation's priorities and the organization's projects, gather relevant data, and craft compelling narratives for proposals. This collaboration ensures that proposals are both accurate and tailored to the interests of each foundation, increasing the likelihood of securing funding. Regular meetings, joint planning sessions, and open communication are key elements of this partnership.

What are Foundation Relations Managers?

Foundation Relations Managers are professionals responsible for building and maintaining relationships between nonprofit organizations and charitable foundations. Their primary role is to secure funding and grants by identifying prospective foundation partners, preparing proposals, and ensuring compliance with grant requirements. They also manage reporting, steward existing relationships, and strategize on long-term partnership development to support the organization's mission and programs.

What is the difference between Foundation Relations Manager vs Grant Writer?

AspectFoundation Relations ManagerGrant Writer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; experience in fundraising or developmentBachelor's degree; strong writing skills; experience in grant writing
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations; development teamsNonprofits, educational institutions, or research organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in fundraising departments to manage foundation relationshipsUsed to craft grant proposals and applications

The Foundation Relations Manager focuses on building and maintaining relationships with foundations to secure funding, overseeing strategy and communication. In contrast, the Grant Writer primarily concentrates on preparing compelling grant proposals to obtain funding. While both roles require strong writing skills and knowledge of the nonprofit sector, the Foundation Relations Manager has a broader role in relationship management, whereas the Grant Writer specializes in proposal development.

What cities are hiring for Foundation Relations Manager jobs? Cities with the most Foundation Relations Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Foundation Relations jobs? The most popular types of Foundation Relations jobs are:
What states have the most Foundation Relations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Foundation Relations Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Foundation Relations Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,728 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Manager, Foundation Relations

Ounce of Prevention Fund

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Manager, Foundation Relations
The Ounce of Prevention Fund is oneof Chicago's most energized, future-focused organizations devoted to earlychildhood development.
Ourmission is to improve thelife chances for low-income children through programs, training, researchand advocacy.
Weare recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share acommitment to our core values of appreciation& respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.
Weoffer a competitive salary and benefits package, including 401(k); tuitionreimbursement and professional development opportunities; flex work hours andwork-from-home options; and paid parental leave.
Reportingto the Assistant Director, Foundation Relations you will:
  • Responsible for securing and stewarding funding from foundation donors at the Ounce of Prevention Fund.
  • Lead strategy for a portfolio of foundation funder relationships, oversees and executes donor cultivation and renewal strategies.
  • Partner with Development colleagues and Ounce leadership to develop and execute an overall cultivation strategy for current funders and prospects. This includes:
    • Overseeing the development and submission of grant proposals and reports (and attachments/supporting materials) to foundations for Ounce programs and priorities, and tracking of grant deliverables.
    • Establishing and maintaining funder contacts, developing background research and meeting prep sheets, and preparing other fundraising materials.
    • Developing and executing proactive funder stewardship and engagement plans and other key stewardship touch points to strengthen funder relationships for assigned portfolio and position the Ounce for renewed and increased giving with existing funders.
  • Lead cross-divisional teams to obtain all necessary information on programs/initiatives for inclusion in concept papers, grant proposals and funder reports, and support leadership in the development of the overall frame and positioning of the Ounce's work with external funders.
  • Collaborate with finance and program staff to develop and manage budgets, expenditure reports and accompanying financial narratives needed for grant proposals and reports, and proactively manage internal monitoring of project budgets to inform reports to funders.
  • Maintain ownership of foundation data and grant management systems for assigned portfolio.
  • Build effective internal and external relationships to support the stewardship of complex funder relationships.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts, Journalism, Social Science, Business Administration or a related field.
  • At least three years of progressive experience in non-profit fundraising, which should include:
    • Prior experience in stewardship of foundation donors, including managing institutional grants.
    • Prior experience accomplishing the goals of a comprehensive fundraising plan.
    • Prior supervisory experience.
  • Advanced grant writing and editing skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Advanced project management skills to balance multiple large-scale projects and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and maintain strong relationships within a highly-collaborative work environment.
  • Knowledge of local and national institutional donors.
  • Computer literate - Microsoft Word and Excel.

Lastbut 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.