Apply now

Foundations Specialist


Reports to: Head, Corporate Partnerships

Term: Full-time, indeterminate

Vacancy status: This job posting is for an existing vacancy.

Work location: Hybrid; with preference for candidate based in National Capital Region. Remote candidates based in Ontario or Quebec will also be considered.


Overview

Since 1992, Tree Canada has worked relentlessly to grow Canada’s tree canopy through our greening programs, research, and engagement efforts. We are the only national non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments. Our track record of collaborating with all levels of government, the urban forestry sector, business partners, and community groups uniquely positions us to engage Canadians in the fight against climate change. Together we plant millions of trees each year, helping to grow resilient ecosystems and healthier, greener communities across Canada.


If you believe in the benefits of trees and are looking for a dynamic workplace that is poised for growth, Tree Canada would love to hear from you!


Position summary

Reporting to the Head, Corporate Partnerships and working closely with the Head, Philanthropy and Chief Development Officer, the Foundations Specialist is responsible for identifying, securing, and stewarding foundation, government, and institutional funding opportunities. They are responsible for researching grant-making foundations, governments, and institutional grant-making organizations, developing letters of interest and proposals, building and maintaining a prospect pipeline, and ensuring compliance with grant reporting requirements.


Key responsibilities and duties

Grant Research and Identification

  • Conducts in-depth research to identify prospective foundations, governments, and institutional grant-making organizations that align with Tree Canada’s mission and strategic funding needs.
  • Monitors trends in available foundation, government and institutional grant-making organizations and potential opportunities.
  • Builds and maintains a prospect pipeline for both domestic and international funders.


Letters of Interest, Proposal Development, and Writing

  • Writes, edits, and submits grant proposals to foundations, governments, and institutional grant-making organizations.
  • Tailors proposals to meet the requirements and interests of each foundation, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic goals.
  • Prepares budgets in consultation with the Development, Finance, and Programs teams, ensuring that proposals meet financial requirements.


Donor Stewardship and Relationship Management

  • Communicates with foundations to update them on the progress of funded projects and programs.
  • Works with the Development team to organize meetings and visits with foundation donors to strengthen relationships and facilitate future funding opportunities.


Grant Reporting and Compliance

  • Ensures that all grants are properly documented, prepared, and submitted in a timely fashion
  • Ensures that all final grant reports demonstrate the impact of the funder’s support.


Strategic Planning and Budgeting

  • Develops long-term funding strategies and aligns the organization’s funding needs with foundation prospects, in collaboration with the Head, Corporate Partnerships, Head, Philanthropy, and Chief Development Officer.
  • Assists the Programs and Finance teams in tracking overall budgets for grants and foundation-related programs.


Data Management and Reporting

  • Tracks opportunities, communications, and outcomes in the Salesforce CRM database.
  • Tracks submission and reporting deadlines, providing timely updates on the status of grants.
  • Assists in generating reports on fundraising activities, identifying trends, and offering insights to improve foundation engagement.


Collaboration and Teamwork

  • Works closely with other departments including Finance, Programs, and Communications to ensure proposals and reports reflect accurate and up to date information.
  • Collaborates with the Communications team to promote successful partnerships and highlight Tree Canada’s achievements through foundation support.


Performs other related duties as assigned.


Education, skills and experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, social sciences, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will also be considered.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in grant writing and foundation relations.
  • Experience working in a charitable environment is a strong asset.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills in English. Fluency in French is a strong asset.
  • Knowledge of grant management processes and reporting requirements.
  • Strong prospect research and analytical abilities.
  • Understanding of the environmental funding landscape, trends in climate and biodiversity granting, and collaborative/multi-organizational grant application approaches.
  • Demonstrated success in securing complex major grants (six and seven figures) from foundations, governments, and institutional grant-making organizations.
  • Familiarity with grant-seeking tools such as Grant Connect and similar platforms.
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong time management skills.
  • Self-motivated, proactive, and solutions focused.
  • Strong computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft 365 and CRM database software. Experience with Salesforce is an asset.
  • Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Respect for the values and differences that all members of a small team bring to an office environment; adaptable to different approaches and flexible to move in new directions.
  • Commitment to the work and values of Tree Canada, in particular a passion for the environment and a belief that organizations and individuals can and do improve lives by planting trees and addressing climate change.


What we offer

  • Annual salary: $70,000 - $82,500
  • 37.5 hours per week
  • 3 weeks of vacation
  • 15 sick days
  • Personal days
  • 100% employer-paid benefits (after successful completion of the probationary period; employees must contribute to the cost of long-term disability coverage)
  • RRSP program with employer contributions (after successful completion of the probationary period)
  • Training and development opportunities throughout the year


Diversity and inclusion at Tree Canada

Tree Canada is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates to self-identify as members of equity deserving groups such as, but not limited to, members of racialized communities, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and/or people with disabilities.


We are committed to reducing barriers in the workplace. Please let us know if you require any accommodation at any stage of the application process.


You don’t meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles at Tree Canada!


Statement on artificial intelligence

Tree Canada is committed to a fair and equitable hiring practice that considers each candidate’s unique individual qualifications and experience. As part of our recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence tools to support or assist the review of applications. These tools may help us identify candidates whose qualifications best match job requirements.


How to apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter by clicking “Apply” by 11:59 pm on April 21, 2026.


Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.