Call for Applications: Individual Giving Volunteer (Toronto)

Call for Applications: Individual Giving Volunteer (Toronto)

About Rainbow Railroad

Rainbow Railroad is an international human rights organization that creates pathways to safety for at-risk LGBTQI+ people and strengthens policies and systems that support their protection and integration. Headquartered in Toronto and New York, Rainbow Railroad is one of the few organizations that work as direct service providers, advocates, thought leaders, and movement strategists to address global queer forced displacement.

Since its founding in 2006, the organization has received over 75,000 requests for help from individuals facing persecution due to their diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC). In collaboration with a global network of grassroots organizations and human rights defenders in crisis-affected contexts, Rainbow Railroad has supported more than 40,000 LGBTQI+ individuals, including facilitating international relocation for more than 2,300 people since its inception.

Rainbow Railroad is a registered Canadian charity and USA 501(c)(3) organization with offices in New York and Toronto.

THE VOLUNTEER ROLE

We are seeking a community-minded individual interested in supporting the Individual Giving team as a volunteer in Rainbow Railroad’s Toronto office. This role is well suited to someone who enjoys organized, detail-oriented tasks and is interested in learning more about nonprofit fundraising and events.

VOLUNTEER DUTIES

• Provide support with prospect research and backgrounders
• Support donor events (if able) with guest check-in and logistical assistance, which may occasionally occur in the evenings and will be scheduled in advance
• Assist with donor stewardship tasks, such as preparing thank-you notes or materials and supporting appreciation outreach (including by phone) when needed
• Support occasional special projects related to Rainbow Railroad’s work, on an as-needed basis

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be reliable and communicative about your availability
• Work together with staff and follow guidance when needed
• Understanding of LGBTQI+ issues and alignment with Rainbow Railroad’s mission and values
• Handle sensitive donor and organizational information with discretion and confidentiality
• Comply with Rainbow Railroad’s policies and procedures

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR IN A VOLUNTEER

Personal Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized, with strong attention to detail
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
• Reliable, professional, and comfortable working in an in-office setting

Experience & Interests

• Interest in fundraising, philanthropy, nonprofit work and/or LGBTQI+ issues
• Experience (paid or unpaid) in research, administration, events, communications, or project support is an asset
• Familiarity with issues facing LGBTQI+ communities, whether through lived experience, study, or community involvement, is an asset

Requirements

• Understanding of LGBTQI+ issues and alignment with Rainbow Railroad’s mission
• Strong judgment and discretion when working with donor information
• Minimum commitment of 3 months
  • Approximately 4 hours per week in the Toronto office on Wednesdays, and the occasional evening for event support, to be scheduled in advance.
  • In-person participation in the Toronto office, or on-site at events in Toronto.

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS

• Meaningful involvement in Rainbow Railroad’s donor engagement and fundraising work
• Hands-on experience supporting the Individual Giving team and donor stewardship initiatives
• Training, tools, and ongoing support from staff
• Opportunities to build professional skills and networks within an international nonprofit
• Professional references available upon request

Length of Role: Minimum 3 months

Application Deadline – Sep 30, 2026

Length of role – Minimum Commitment is 3 Months

Please note that we will be accepting resumes on a rolling basis, so we encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible via this link:https://share.vomevolunteer.com/zQeEtvb2J5b

Rainbow Railroad is dedicated to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. This includes diversity in languages spoken, culture, race, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Requests for accommodation due to disability can be made at any stage in the recruitment process.