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$45.5K

$88.8K

$130.5K

How much do foundation relations officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation relations officer in the United States is $88,807.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $100,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectFoundation Relations OfficerGrant Writer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in fundraising or developmentBachelor's degree, strong writing skills, experience in grant proposal writing
Work EnvironmentDevelopment or fundraising department, often in non-profits or educational institutionsGrant writing teams, development offices, or freelance settings
Employer & Industry UsageNon-profits, educational institutions, healthcare organizationsNon-profits, research institutions, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in fundraising and donor relationsLearning about grant proposal processes and writing skills

The Foundation Relations Officer focuses on building relationships with foundations and securing funding through strategic engagement, while the Grant Writer specializes in crafting compelling grant proposals to obtain funding. Both roles are essential in the fundraising process but differ in their primary functions and daily tasks.

How does a Foundation Relations Officer typically collaborate with internal departments to develop grant proposals?

A Foundation Relations Officer works closely with various internal teams—such as program staff, finance, and communications—to gather essential information and ensure proposals are comprehensive and aligned with both organizational needs and funder priorities. This collaborative process often involves coordinating meetings, clarifying project goals, and compiling supporting documents. Effective communication and project management skills are crucial, as the officer must synthesize input from multiple stakeholders and present a unified, compelling case to potential foundation partners.

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

To thrive as a Foundation Relations Officer, you need strong grant writing, fundraising, and research skills, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in communications, nonprofit management, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management databases (like Raiser’s Edge), prospect research tools, and grant tracking systems is often required. Outstanding relationship-building, communication, and organizational skills distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are crucial for securing funding, building long-term partnerships, and advancing an organization's mission.

What are Foundation Relations Officers?

Foundation Relations Officers are professionals responsible for managing and cultivating relationships between an organization and philanthropic foundations. Their main role is to identify funding opportunities, write grant proposals, and ensure effective communication with foundation representatives. They also track grant requirements, report on project outcomes, and help align organizational goals with foundation priorities. Foundation Relations Officers play a key part in securing funding for nonprofit initiatives and maintaining long-term partnerships with grant-making bodies.
What states have the most Foundation Relations Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Foundation Relations Officer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Foundation Relations Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Foundation Relations Officer jobs are:
Foundation Relations Officer jobs near you
Foundation Relations Officer

Foundation Relations Officer

Environmental Law & Policy Center

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

The Opportunity:
ELPC is looking to hire a dynamic Foundation Relations Officer who brings excellent writing skills together with the proven ability to expand an existing grants program and a passion for environmental protection.
About ELPC:
The Environmental Law & Policy Center is the Midwest’s leading environmental legal advocacy organization. We drive transformational policy changes with national impacts.
We show that environmental progress and economic development can be achieved together by putting sustainability principles into practice. We advance climate solutions effectively by accelerating clean renewable energy alternatives to conventional power plants and advancing clean transportation solutions. We protect the Great Lakes and defend the Midwest’s wild and natural places, and we fight for safe, clean water and healthy clean air for all. We combine effective public interest litigation with strategic policy advocacy, sound science, and economic analysis. ELPC produces strong results for the environment in the courtrooms, boardrooms, and legislative hearing rooms across the pivotal Midwest states and in Washington D.C. 
Come join our winning team of talented, mission-driven professionals, who passionately work together to protect the environment and natural resources in the Midwest region.
Title: Foundation Relations Officer
LOCATION:  Chicago, IL with a hybrid work environment that includes required days in the office each week
HOURS PER WEEK: Full time (40 hours/week)
REPORTS TO: Chief Development Officer
JOB SUMMARY: 
The Foundation Relations Officer will work to expand ELPC’s foundation grants program as well as manage a portfolio of current grants, which includes both institutional and family foundations at national, regional, and local levels. The incumbent will identify new funding opportunities, effectively engage with funders and foundation program officers, and write persuasive grant pitches and proposals. This position will also work with the Development Team and program staff on current grant reporting and proposal writing. As part of ELPC’s Development Team, this person will provide support for fundraising events and outreach activities as needed.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Research, identify and develop new foundation prospects.
  • Proactively cultivate relationships with foundation staff and funders by representing ELPC at  a variety of events.
  • Produce well-written and compelling letters of inquiry and grant proposals in a timely manner and pitch them to funders to secure new funding.
  • Work with ELPC’s development team and program staff to prepare reports, other funding requirements, and renewal proposals in a timely manner.
  • Persuasively follow up on submissions to drive funding success.
  • Work with development team to successfully achieve overall fundraising goals, especially by increasing the number of secured grants and amount of revenue raised.
  • Work collaboratively with development team on fundraising events and campaigns throughout the year including the annual gala, year-end giving, and other fundraising efforts as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline
  • 4-6 years of development experience with a minimum of 2 years focused on foundation relations  and grant writing, ideally in the environmental space.
  • Demonstrated track record of foundation fundraising successes in achieving major grants.
  • Experience and connections within the Midwest environmental philanthropic sector is highly favorable.
 
 Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • An entrepreneurial approach to fundraising with a passion for ELPC’s mission.
  • Exceptional writing skills combined with careful attention to detail
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to follow up with current and prospective foundations in a timely manner
  • Good problem solving and negotiating skills.
  • Highly creative/innovative with abilities to persuade and influence others
  • Results oriented with ability to focus on and meet deadlines and goals.
  • Environmental knowledge and experience strongly preferred
  • Ability to operate independently as well as part of a regional and diverse team
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, especially Word
Estimated travel & related conditions:
  •  Ability to attend a variety of environmental events that may be breakfast or evening events.
  • Overnight travel is expected to be very occasional.
Salary
ELPC offers an attractive salary and benefits package, competitive to leading national environmental non-profits.  Depending on experience, salary ranges from $62,000 - $78,000.
Application Process:
Please upload a cover letter and resume when applying via our website (fine to combine the two documents). 
If we find a match between your experience and our needs, we will reach out for an interview.

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