Grant Research and Pipeline Development

Grant Research and Pipeline Development (2 weeks): We will build on initial Yale student led research which has identified initial grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government agencies that align with GP's mission and programs.
From this initial research the volunteer(s) will create a prioritized grant pipeline, including funder names, deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts.
Develop a system for tracking grant applications and deadlines.
Fundraising Strategy Development (2 weeks):
Develop an inital fundraising plan that includes strategies for individual giving, major donor cultivation, and potential corporate partnerships.

Do you like social justice? Adore human rights? Enjoy comic, cartoons and humor?! Do you want to change the world? Well so do we! We would love you to join a small but growing team here at the Graphix Project (“GP”)! We are above all passionate about tapping into the power of graphic novels, graphic op-eds, and short animations that speak to universal audiences and a younger demographic. In partnership with a range of institutions including Yale Law School, University of Nairobi, Amnesty International, and the Association of Human Rights Institutes and their network of 80 universities worldwide, we led the largest global comics and activists research in history, with a focus on the nexus between human rights activism and art. This participatory research provided helpful key insights: not only do youth have a burning desire to learn from one another; but ultimately, that there is a huge, untapped demand for comics that support activist training, education, and advocacy.
Based on these insights, GP has engaged a global board of subject matter experts and recognized leaders in human rights, academia, and the arts, along with leading universities on all continents. The project is currently working with the University of Toronto to design an interactive website/portal to support, protect, and nurture networks that link up the incredible work of activists and artists leading human rights and social change. We are also working with human rights luminary Aryeh Neier to adapt as a graphic history his seminal work The International Human Rights Movement: A History. With Cartoonists Rights, a US-based nonprofit that protects cartoonists under threat, we are developing graphic biographies as part of a comics anthology with the world renowned publisher Fantagraphics, complete with learning materials, tips, and tools. We can share wit you all this material if you are interesetd as well as an example of our incredible Op Art published in Canada’s top paper the Globe and Mail in February 2025.

We have waited until our first phase of research was complete to begin fundraising to ensure we knew exactly what our global target audience needs. As such we are currently operating with limited funding and a single staff member (plus student volunteers), making it challenging to dedicate the necessary time to fundraise. We need a strategic approach to ensure our eventual long-term sustainability and expand our reach.

Time Commitment:
We anticipate the volunteer(s) will dedicate 2-5 hours per week initially for 6-8 weeks, with flexibility to adjust based on the volunteer's availability and progress.

To ensure the success of this fundraising and grant development project with the Taproot volunteer(s), I will implement the following strategies:

1. Clear Communication and Expectations:
Initial Meeting: A thorough introductory meeting to discuss the project goals, scope, timeline, and expectations.
Regular Check-ins: Schedule consistent weekly or bi-weekly check-ins to monitor progress, address questions, and provide feedback.
Open Communication Channels: Establish clear communication channels (e.g., email, video calls) and respond promptly to the volunteer's inquiries.

2. Providing Necessary Resources and Information:
Access to Existing Materials: Share all relevant organizational documents and website content (we are seeking Taproot support to update our current website).
Access to Databases: Provide access to our current database and any other relevant databases or online resources for grant research.
Access to student support: Student volunteers are on standby to support fundraising efforts.

3. Flexibility and Adaptability:
Adjust to the Volunteer's Schedule: Be flexible and accommodating to the volunteer's availability and schedule.
Adapt to Changing Needs: Be prepared to adjust the project scope or timeline as needed.
Open to New Ideas: Be open to the volunteer's suggestions and ideas.

4. Collaborative and Supportive Environment:
Value the Volunteer's Expertise: Recognize and appreciate the volunteer's skills and experience.
Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer timely and constructive feedback to help the volunteer improve their work.
Encourage Questions and Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment where the volunteer feels comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas.

5. Possibility for a paid position after this initial interaction. While GP does not currently have funds, we promise all our many volunteers they will be considered first for any paid position once initial funding is secured.