General Director (Fundraising), Board of Directors

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OPPORTUNITY

General Director (Fundraising)

The Toronto Local Charity (TLC)

ROLE

Volunteer board

TERM

2 years

LOCATION

GTA, mostly virtual

APPLY BY

Fri, Oct 30, 2026

Help us fund the next chapter for GTA youth

The Toronto Local Charity helps young people aged 16 to 29 across the GTA break the cycle of poverty. We do it by changing how they see themselves and what they believe is possible. Our free programs, run under the Success Accelerator brand, focus on mental wellness, essential life skills, and technical fluency.

Get to know our community: Hear from our participants, volunteers, and board directors about what makes TLC special. Watch the video

Built by people with lived experience and powered almost entirely by volunteers, TLC has reached the point where demand for our programs is outpacing what volunteers alone can deliver.

Our 2026–2028 strategic plan sets a clear direction: fund a paid Executive Director role, followed by a Program Coordinator or Manager. Fund development is the biggest gap standing between us and that goal. That's where you come in.

Why this role is different

We're moving from ad-hoc fundraising to a steady, diversified approach, and we're increasingly asking funders for core operating support rather than one-off project funding. You'll be joining at the moment we build that engine, with an active fundraising committee already rolling up its sleeves on grants and campaigns.

Your experience will shape how a small, scrappy charity becomes a sustainable one. The impact of getting this right shows up directly in how many young people we can reach.

What you'll do

• Help shape and lead our fundraising strategy, working closely with our fundraising committee
• Build a healthy mix of funding: grants and foundations, monthly donors, major gifts, corporate partners, and campaigns
• Help us make the case for multi-year and core operating funding
• Open doors through your personal and professional networks
• Share what works, and mentor the volunteers and committee members leading grants and campaigns
• Help us put simple systems in place, from a grants pipeline to donor stewardship and forecasting
• Take part in the wider work of the board: setting strategy, reviewing our finances, managing risk, and growing our partnerships

What you bring

• A proven track record of securing funding from more than one source
• Strategic thinking, plus a willingness to get hands-on
• Strong networks in business, philanthropy, or community circles
• Nonprofit governance experience, or an eagerness to learn quickly
• A genuine commitment to youth development and breaking cycles of poverty

Bonus points for:

• Grant writing and foundation relations
• Major donor cultivation and stewardship
• Corporate partnership development
• Fundraising campaign management, including monthly giving
• Experience with youth programs, or lived experience with poverty

Don't tick every box? Please apply anyway. We care more about your values and willingness to dig in than a perfect résumé.

The details

• Term: 2 years
• Elected by and reports to: the Board of Directors
• Location: Greater Toronto Area. Most meetings are virtual, with some in person.
• Deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026
• Process: Virtual interviews with board members.

Recommended candidates will stand for election at our board meeting on Wednesday, December 2, 2026. We may close this posting early if we find the right person, so we encourage you to apply soon.

• Apply: Application link
• Learn more: Read our 2026–2028 Strategic Plan and watch our community video.
• Questions? Reach out to Laney, Executive Director, at laney@thelocalcharity.com

What to expect on the TLC board

How many seats are open?

We're growing our board from five to up to eight directors, so we have up to three seats open, including this one.

How much time does it take?

Plan on about 3 to 5 hours a month on average, with more during busy stretches like budget season or grant deadlines. The board meets every other month. Between meetings, you'll work on your committee and keep in touch by email and Slack.

Are meetings in person or online?

Mostly online. We meet in person in the GTA for at least two of every six board meetings, because some conversations are just better face to face.

What's the attendance expectation?

We ask directors to attend at least 70% of board meetings. Life happens, and we get that. If things get busy, we'll have a supportive, private conversation about what works for you.

Do board members donate?

Yes. Every director makes a personal gift each year, in whatever amount is meaningful to you. The amount doesn't matter. What matters is that when we approach funders, we can say our whole board is all in.

Will I be expected to fundraise?

Every director supports fundraising in some way, like opening doors, sharing campaigns, or showing up at events. You don't have to be a natural at asking for money. We'll find the way that fits your strengths.

Is this a paid role?

No. This is a volunteer board position.

How will I get up to speed?

You'll get our core documents, a walkthrough session, and, where possible, a buddy on the board to help you settle in.

Who should apply?

We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, and we especially encourage people with lived experience of the challenges our youth face. If you need any accommodations during the application or interview process, just let us know.

Anything else?

Like all directors, you'll be asked to disclose any potential or perceived conflicts of interest.

Learn about our youth programs at successaccelerator.ca or visit thelocalcharity.com.

Charitable Registration Number: 80828 4442 RR0001